Support teams in place to help in search for missing boy

By Lethbridge Herald on September 25, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

CROWSNEST PASS  – Community members across southern Alberta have come together with one goal in mind: to find five-year-old Darius Macdougall. 

RCMP confirmed Wednesday afternoon that the search for Macdougall continues in full force, with every responding unit working together to their fullest capacity. 

“Today, RCMP can confirm that the following are on scene: RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RCMP drones), RCMP helicopter, RCMP Forensic Identification Services, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP General Investigation Services, RCMP plane is enroute, and GIS – General Investigation Services,” said Cpl. Gina Slaney. 

She added that an area of concern was identified, and someone located what was believed to be blood. “Our FIS team analyzed this and it is confirmed to not be blood – human or animal.

“We are also working very closely with the family, both on and off the site. We have Victim Family Liaison Officers providing direct support to family members.”

Slaney said it’s specially trained unit that focuses on providing a trauma-based victim-centered approach to managing those who have experienced a major trauma.

“This ensures a single point of contact between family and the RCMP who are focusing on the needs of the family, doing their best to reduce re-traumatization by ensuring they have a voice and are included,” said Slaney. 

The boy’s family continues to ask for privacy and do not wish to be contacted during this time.

Adam Kennedy with Alberta Search and Rescue (SAR) said search efforts on Wednesday had a high priority placed on teams expanding into new search areas as well covering previous search areas once again. The current search radius is three km pushing out to 6.6 km.

“Overnight, search teams continued ground searches, supported by one RCMP helicopter and two search and rescue dogs from the Canadian Search Dog Association,” said Kennedy. 

On Wednesday there were 68 searchers from a combination of Alberta and B.C. teams, working alongside two RCMP dog teams, one helicopter and multiple drones.

“After consultation with two leading wilderness survivability physicians, the search effort and tempo reflect our continued hope and assumption that Darius will be found alive,” said Kennedy. 

With more than100 first responders taking part of the search for almost 48 hours, the Salvation Army was contacted on Tuesday for help feeding those searching for the boy. 

Lt. Zach Marshall, Community Ministries Officer with the Salvation Army Lethbridge, said they received a call from the Southern Alberta Regional Search and Rescue Tuesday asking if they would be able to mobilize their Emergency Disaster Services. 

“We were able to arrive on scene yesterday (Tuesday) around 3 p.m. and prepared supper for 121 first responders last night.” 

He said they were motivated by the desire to help people, and this is one tangible way that they are able to help in times of need. 

“We have team members still on site and the plan right now is that we will be on site until at least Friday, but we will continue to support the efforts as long as we’re requested.”

Marshall said the overall mood among searchers was optimistic. 

“There are police officers, conservation officers, search and rescue. I think the mood was overall hopeful. I think they’re working very hard to try and achieve a positive outcome in this search.”

He said serchers were very appreciative of their efforts to feed them. 

“After a long day of working hard in tough conditions like hot weather and in the bush, it’s nice to be able to come and even just get five minutes of reprieve and have a hot meal.”

If members of the community wish to help financiallyvia the Salvation Army’s Emergency and Disaster Services, they can do so on their website at lethbridgesalvationarmy.ca 

Since the search has taken multiple days, and those involved have been searching for long hours each day, accommodations overnight have been facilitated by a nearby Bible camp. 

“It is the Crowsnest Lake Bible camp, and that’s where our team is staying as well,” said Marshall. 

Searchers and other volunteers appreciated to be able to have nearby accommodations as it makes their ability to help others easier. 

“When we’re called out to support in responses like this, we’re happy to do so. And it makes our lives very easy when we have the support of the community,” said Marshall. “Co-ordinating with the Bible camp staff, they were very accommodating. And making sure that our team had all that they needed in order to continue to support the efforts for the further search was fantastic.”