The search for an 11-year-old Calgary boy, who has been missing since July 16, is over.
Calgary police announced at a Wednesday afternoon media briefing that they have found the body of a small boy who they believe to be Parker.
“For nearly two weeks, so many people woke up hoping it would be the day Parker came home. Instead, we are here (to) share news that it is heartbreaking for his family and for everyone who has been carrying that hope,” said Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan.
“Our thoughts are with Parker’s family, loved ones, friends and everyone who has been affected by this tragedy.”
On Tuesday, police said they received information from a member of the public who found evidence “consistent with the clothing Parker was last known to be wearing.”
The searchers who responded discovered the body of a small child.
“It is believed Parker entered into a deep culvert on the west side of Deerfoot Trail, where he travelled into a network of pipes that crossed under Deerfoot Trail,” McLellan added.
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“His body was found in a small pipe on the east side of Deerfoot Trail. The Calgary Fire Department required specialized equipment to enter the tunnel system, as the conditions were extremely unsafe.”
“It is believed Parker was wearing all of the clothing he was last seen wearing when he entered the tunnel system,” McLellan added. “However, his shoes likely came off at some point and washed out of the culvert at a later time.”
“We have been (searching) in that creek area,” said CPS Search Manager Sgt. Rich Wall. “The clue that was located by the public pushed us in a direction where we needed – more technical assistance.”
“The system of pipes and tunnels, its like a labyrinth in there. The clue that was located caused us to move further up the creek — there were some other things that we located that forced us into the tunnels,” Wall added.
News of the tragedy comes two days after Calgary police announced that they were scaling back their ground search for Parker and “refocusing” their efforts.
Parker was the subject of a massive 11-day-long search, involving hundreds of police officers, search and rescue experts and community volunteers.
The boy, who is neurodivergent and non-verbal, was last seen in person at his dayhome in the 0 to 100 block of Connaught Drive near Northmount Drive Northwest sometime between 11:08 a.m. and 11:41 a.m. on July 16.
He was then captured on video from a home security camera in the 5000 to 6000 block of Travis Crescent N.E. at around 12:52 p.m. the same day.
Calgary police received special permission from the province to issue an Amber Alert two days after Parker disappeared, even though they continue to maintain there is no evidence he was abducted.
The Amber Alert was allowed to expire on Sunday and the ground search was called off the following day.
“Throughout this investigation, Parker’s family has demonstrated extraordinary strength and courage while enduring every parent’s worst nightmare,” McLellan said.
“Today, we grieve alongside them and share in the profound sadness of this loss.”
I’m so sorry that this has happened.
Are these dangerous tunnel openings not screened to prevent this from happening?
He should have been in a secure facility. I blame Mark Carney.
Poor lil boy. TRAGIC. Prayers to the family. Shouldn’t ever have happened. He passed all alone 🥺
So tragic, my heart goes out to his loved ones.
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Permission to use the Amber Alert system should never need permission when being used in any type of missing child case. If a child is missing just use it!! That poor little boy. There is nothing anyone can say to ease the tragic burden of Parker’s loss. We, as Canadians, are mourning along side this Family!
Nothing burger story. Must be a Liberal
R.I.P. Little Man!
Canada grieves with his Family & Friends
SO sad!!
Sending love to his family and all those who continued to search for him. I am so sorry.
Where were the adults meant to look after Parker? No child in with his issues should EVER be left alone. He should have been watched 24 hours a day. At least we know who to blame for this sad situation.
i was hoping for the best. that’s just sad !! poor kid RIP
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It is a really sad story. My question is that how is it possible that the pipes and culvert are not caged off to prevent something like this from happening.
Rest In Peace Sweet Angel :(
The Heart of Calgary have come to know and Love you in the days that have gone by.
My Sincere Condolences to Parker’s Family and Friends.
To All who lost no hope in finding Parker, please know how much you’re all greatly Appreciated.
RIP sweetheart. XOXO. Condolences to all family and friends. Hugs.
Another Darwin Award. If the boy wanted help it was available.
Such an intensely sad day , having to give up the hope that we were all desperately clinging to! My hopes are with the family at this time , As Well as the members of the District 3 Police department . With the two deceased toddlers left out front of their office and now this ! Our neighbourhood hasn’t had a very good track record in the last month or so , with regards to children ! My Thanks to them for doing what they do , I hope that they are doing ? OK . moreal must have taken a beating after all of this ! Whew,,, Dear god !
R.I.P. Parker🙏 My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.💐
Speechless. I don’t want to upset anyone, but I think it’s time for a debate to find a solution for how to track persons with special needs, especially children; I am not saying to implant a tracker (like we are doing with our pets), but in Parker’s case, a tracker in his noise-canceling device would have been helpful.
That is the worst, losing a child.
I am so so sorry gor your loss.
Sad end result…
I live in the area and witnessed multiple CPS vehicles heading to that area . My heart sank when I found out ge was deceased. Poor little soul he had the whole city of Calgary reaching out trying to locate him, this proves that the people of Calgary where actively searching but praying for his safe return. His poor parents must be heartbroken as any hope is now gone. Rest in peace little man and know you were loved by thousands of people whom never really knew you.
Canadians are special needs to let that happen
So sad
May Parker RIP
And deepest sympathy towards his family
I pray that the police will find how this child died and if by the hand of a human then.we must have capital punishment
I am so incredibly sorry. My heart breaks for Parker and his family. I am not able to find the words to express my heartfelt condolences to all those that tried so hard to find Parker. All could use a little mercy now. 🙏🏼