Heartbreaking Search for Missing 6-Year-Old Darius Macdougall Near Crowsnest Pass, Alberta

A deep sense of sorrow and urgency has gripped the province of Alberta as the search continues for six-year-old Darius Macdougall, who was reported missing on September 21, 2025, while camping with relatives near Crowsnest Pass — a rugged and picturesque area along the Alberta-British Columbia border. The disappearance of such a young child in the wilderness has left family members, first responders, and the wider community devastated and desperate for answers.

According to authorities, Darius was last seen at the family’s campsite that Sunday morning before he seemingly vanished without a trace. His relatives, who were camping in a heavily wooded area near the Allison Creek region, alerted police after frantic hours of searching yielded no sign of him. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), along with local fire crews, search-and-rescue volunteers, and trained K9 units, launched an immediate and large-scale search effort that has since grown to include aerial drones, thermal imaging equipment, and underwater recovery teams.

For over three weeks, search teams have combed through dense forest, riverbanks, and rocky terrain, facing unpredictable weather and challenging conditions. The community has rallied behind Darius’s family, providing meals, lodging, and supplies to support the ongoing search. Volunteers have traveled from across Alberta — and even neighboring provinces — to join the effort, united by one shared goal: bringing Darius home safely.

Family members have described Darius as a bright, curious, and loving little boy with an adventurous spirit and a smile that could light up a room. His parents have pleaded for anyone with information — no matter how small — to come forward, expressing their gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received from the public and law enforcement.

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said a family friend during a recent vigil held in Crowsnest Pass. “Darius is such a joyful and kind child. His laughter filled every space he entered. We won’t stop until he’s found.”

The RCMP has continued to stress that all possibilities remain open as the investigation progresses. While there has been no confirmed sign of foul play, officials have not ruled out any scenarios, and they are asking campers, hikers, and residents in the area to report anything unusual they may have noticed around the time of Darius’s disappearance.

Crowsnest Pass, known for its stunning but unforgiving wilderness, presents significant challenges to search operations — steep terrain, unpredictable weather, and thick vegetation that can easily obscure traces of movement. Despite these difficulties, search teams have vowed to continue their efforts as long as there is hope.

Candlelight vigils have been held across Alberta, with hundreds gathering to pray for Darius’s safe return. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, photos, and prayers under hashtags such as #FindDariusMacdougall and #BringDariusHome. The case has struck a deep emotional chord across Canada, reminding many of the fragility of life and the strength of community in times of crisis.

As days turn into weeks, the hope of finding Darius remains unbroken. His disappearance has united an entire province in compassion and determination, and his family continues to cling to faith that their beloved boy will be found and brought home soon.

Anyone with information about Darius Macdougall’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Crowsnest Pass RCMP immediately.

A community waits, prays, and hopes — for Darius.