Police search additional area for missing Calgary boy as possible new evidence emerges
Calgary police have recovered the body of a missing autistic boy, Parker, inside a pipe network near Deerfoot Trail. The discovery followed a search effort involving specialized fire department equipment after evidence of his clothing was found.
Why it matters
The tragic conclusion to this high-profile search highlights the dangers of urban infrastructure for vulnerable individuals and the challenges faced by emergency services in complex terrain.
"Today is an incredibly difficult day. It is with profound sadness that I can confirm that we have found the body of a small child which we believe to be Parker," said Calgary police Chief Katie McLellan.
"On Tuesday, we received information from a member of the public who located evidence consistent with clothing Parker was last known to be wearing. Search teams were deployed and as a result of those efforts the body of a small child has been located."
The chief said it's believed the boy entered a deep culvert on the west side of Deerfoot Trail, where he made his way into a network of pipes that crossed under the freeway. His body was found in a small pipe on the east side of Deerfoot Trail, she said.
"The Calgary Fire Department required specialized equipment to enter the tunnel system as conditions were extremely unsafe," said McLellan.
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