Family of Alberta boy missing for a week won’t stop searching until he’s found

The family of a six-year-old boy missing in southern Alberta says they won’t rest until he’s brought home.

A statement by the family of Darius Macdougall comes as the search for the boy enters its second week and hundreds of responders comb through mountainous terrain in southern Alberta.

The family says they’re thankful to the searchers for their dedication and that the community’s support has given them strength and hope.

“We remain committed to continuing the search and will not rest until Darius is brought home,” the statement says.

The boy with autism was reported missing Sept. 21, after he didn’t return from a walk with six young relatives in the Crowsnest Pass area, where the family from Lethbridge, Alta., had been camping.

Maegan Bernicky, the boy’s mother, told a local television station she’s very concerned for her son.

“I’m pleading with my entire being,” she told Bridge City News in an interview. “If anyone knows or has seen anything, tell the police.”

RCMP had maintained optimism for finding the boy alive but said last weekend his chances of survival had decreased to less than five per cent.

Cpl. Gina Slaney said Tuesday crews were looking again in “higher probability” areas previously searched and following up on leads from the public.

“We will continue to keep media informed as to updates and potential future availabilities,” she said in a statement.

Searchers have described the area as mountainous, with lots of elevation changes, streams and deadfall. Overnight temperatures have dropped to the low single digits.

Given the low probability of Darius surviving, Adam Kennedy from Alberta Search and Rescue has said support is available for those who need it.

There has been nothing to indicate foul play in the boy’s disappearance, RCMP said, and there has been no decision to scale back the search.