Helicopters buzz through the clear sky over southern Alberta as the search for six-year-old Darius Macdougall enters its fourth day. Adam Kennedy from Search and Rescue Alberta announced on Wednesday that the search area has been expanded from three kilometers to 6.6 kilometers due to challenging terrain, including obstacles like deadfall and rocks that are slowing down the search efforts.
Around 100 individuals are actively involved in the ground search and rescue operations. Despite the difficult conditions, Kennedy remains optimistic about finding Macdougall alive, following consultations with wilderness survivability experts.
Darius Macdougall, who is autistic, went missing during a walk with his family members near their campsite at Island Lake Campground near the Alberta-B.C. border. Authorities have closed off the campground entrance to the public as search teams, including search and rescue personnel and RCMP officers, continue their efforts to locate the boy.
Given Macdougall’s autism, there are concerns that he may not respond to calls for his name during the search. Search teams have been working tirelessly in shifts, with some resting at a nearby bible camp. The search includes ground searches, aerial support from helicopters, search and rescue dogs, and drones to cover the extensive search area.
Search teams are also focusing on checking bodies of water within the search radius. Weather conditions have been relatively favorable, with low temperatures aiding the search efforts. While foul play is not suspected, the RCMP is conducting a thorough investigation to explore all possible leads in the case of Macdougall’s disappearance.
