11-Year-Old Missing Since July 16 — Search Ends After 13 Days
Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan confirmed the development to reporters Wednesday, calling it a devastating outcome to what had become one of the largest search efforts in the city’s history.
“In my 35 years with the Calgary Police Service, I have never seen such dedicated, extensive and sustained search efforts,” McLellan said. “Behind every search map, every briefing, every tip and every hour spent looking was a little boy who was deeply loved by his family. Today, we grieve alongside them and share in the profound sadness of this loss.”
Police say there is no evidence that criminality was involved in Parker’s disappearance.
A 13-Day Search That Drew a City Together
Parker went missing on July 16, last seen on CCTV footage in the early morning hours after leaving his northwest Calgary day home. He is neurodivergent and non-verbal, and police had cautioned throughout the search that he might be frightened if approached by strangers.
In the days that followed, upwards of 650 people — including police officers and trained volunteers — searched around the clock, supported by police dogs, bike and horse patrols, aircraft, and underwater camera deployments. Investigators also worked with rideshare companies, delivery services, truck rental agencies, and railways to rule out other possibilities.
By Monday, with the physical search of Parker’s last known whereabouts and Nose Hill Park — including nearby waterways — complete, police announced they were shifting from ground search efforts toward an evidence-based investigation, following up on tips and leads rather than continuing broad searches.
That shift led investigators back to the area near Deerfoot Trail, where new evidence had identified the site as requiring closer examination. The Calgary Fire Department assisted police with additional resources in the area.
A Community in Mourning
Both Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith offered condolences to Parker’s family following the announcement.
Throughout the search, officers described an emotional toll on everyone involved. Sgt. Rich Wall, the search manager, said in the days before the discovery that he had seen fellow officers moved to tears, aware that a family was “waiting for a phone call from us to be able to tell them we’ve found their son.”
Police say their focus now turns to supporting Parker’s family through the coming days.