Search intensifies on day 5 for missing 6-year-old in Southern Alberta

Editor’s note: RCMP have corrected the age of Darius Macdougall from five-years-old to six-years-old. Current reporting has been updated to reflect this change.

The search for a six-year-old boy from Lethbridge continues near Crowsnest Pass as RCMP and Search and Rescue (SAR) teams expand their efforts.

Darius Macdougall was hiking with six family members near Island Lake Campground on Sunday morning when he became separated from the group.

RCMP officials note that Darius is autistic, which may prevent him from responding to verbal calls, adding complexity to the search operation. While there is currently no indication of foul play, investigators are considering all possibilities.

“There is no reason to believe that there was an abduction, that could change, but at this point, there is nothing to indicate that,” says RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney.

Slaney confirmed that the search remains in full force, with multiple specialized units deployed, including:

• RCMP drones (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems)
• RCMP helicopter
• RCMP Forensic Identification Services
• RCMP Police Dog Services
• RCMP General Investigation Services
• An RCMP plane en route to assist

A potential lead emerged when a substance believed to be blood was discovered in an area of concern. However, forensic analysis confirmed it was not blood—human or animal.

The RCMP is working closely with Darius’s family, supported by specially trained Victim Family Liaison Officers who provide trauma-informed care and ensure the family remains central to the process. Authorities continue to stress the family’s request for privacy during this difficult time.

Adam Kennedy, Training Manager with SAR Alberta, reported that the search radius has expanded from 3 kilometres to 6.6 kilometres. Overnight, ground teams were supported by an RCMP helicopter and two dogs from the Canadian Search Dog Association.

On Wednesday, 68 searchers from Alberta and B.C. are actively combing the area, alongside two RCMP dog teams, aerial surveillance, and multiple drones.

Kennedy says that consultations with wilderness survivability experts guide the search strategy and remain focused on the hope of finding Darius alive.

“We are working on the assumption that Darius is very much alive and everyone is working to a tempo to reflect that,” says Kennedy.

Anyone who has had contact with Darius or may have information is urged to call RCMP at 403-562-2866. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the CrimeStoppers program.