Search Intensifies for Missing 6-Year-Old Darius Macdougall in Crowsnest Pass
The search for Darius Macdougall, a six-year-old boy missing since September 21, 2025, in the Crowsnest Pass area of Alberta, has intensified. Rescue teams are maintaining optimism, continuing their search efforts in the backcountry west of Crowsnest Pass with over 200 personnel involved.
Extensive Search Operations Underway
On Day 7 of the search, RCMP are emphasizing their commitment to finding Darius and have no intention of scaling back efforts. Sixty members of the Alberta RCMP Tactical Support Group are conducting a shoulder-to-shoulder search of the area where Darius was last seen. Cpl. Gina Slaney, public information officer for the Alberta RCMP, highlighted that these officers are trained to find even the smallest piece of evidence.
In addition to ground efforts, drones with infrared cameras and a helicopter are providing aerial support. Alberta Sheriffs are also assisting at the staging area and patrolling key intersections. Nav Canada has issued a NOTAM (notice to air missions) to ensure clear airspace for search aircraft.
Description of Darius and Search Considerations
Darius is described as approximately four feet tall with short brown hair, wearing a blue-and-grey hoodie and sweats. He has autism and may not respond typically to strangers. Searchers are playing a song he likes and avoiding loud noises and bright lights where possible. If Darius is seen, the public is urged to call 911 immediately.
Community Support and Public Information
To aid in the search, the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has established a Public Information Sharing Centre at the Crowsnest Sports Complex in Coleman. Locals familiar with the Tent Mountain Road backcountry area are encouraged to share information and insights regarding potential hiding spots or safe places. Municipal staff will relay leads to the RCMP. The Sports Complex is located at 8702 – 22 Ave., Coleman and is open for information gathering.
"If you think you know the area very well and you might know potential hiding places, safe places, this is an opportunity for you to go, have a look at these maps and point out potential areas, tips, that you might think might be beneficial to the investigation," said Cpl. Slaney.
While public assistance on the ground is discouraged to avoid hindering professional search efforts and ensure safety, acts of kindness and accurate information sharing on social media are encouraged to support Darius and his family.
Search and Rescue Team Composition and Tactics
Adam Kennedy, provincial training manager for Search and Rescue Alberta, remains optimistic and noted that people can survive for extended periods without food and that Darius has a water source. Approximately 225 personnel are involved, including 128 Search and Rescue members from Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, along with conservation officers, fish and wildlife officers, sheriffs, and RCMP air services. Tracking dogs are also deployed.
- Drones with infrared cameras are used for aerial surveillance.
- Searchers are playing a song Darius likes.
- Tactical Support Group conducting a shoulder-to-shoulder search.
Important Safety Information
Tent Mountain Road remains closed to the public. The RCMP also responded to an unrelated incident involving an injured hiker near the search site. Cpl. Slaney reiterated the dangers of the terrain and the importance of leaving search efforts to professionals.
Recreational drone use is prohibited in the search area to prevent interference with official aerial search operations.
Ongoing Updates
The RCMP and SAR Alberta will provide their next update on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Victim family liaison officers are providing support to Darius' family.
