Police say a body believed to be that of an 11-year-old Calgary boy missing for two weeks has been found.
The child’s body was found in the city’s northeast on Wednesday.
“Today is an incredibly difficult day,” said Chief Katie McLellan, who made the announcement at police headquarters.
Parker Wells went missing on July 16.
A massive search involving hundreds of police officers and trained volunteers, as well as many a Calgarian and others travelling from outside the city, did not turn him up.
On Monday, police said they were “refocusing from the physical search,” but not giving up.
Wednesday brought the search back to the neighbourhoods of Skyline West and Skyline East.
“As part of our ongoing investigation into Parker’s disappearance, we continue to follow up on all evidence, information and leads,” police said.
“Recent potential evidence has identified an additional area between the Beaver Dam Business Park and Deerfoot Trail as one that requires a more thorough search.”
Alex Kwan, the Calgary Fire Department’s public information officer, added police “requested CFD support and resources in the area.”
McLellan said a member of the public found an article of clothing, which pointed police to the area searched on Wednesday.
“That land area had all been searched,” said Sgt. Rich Wall, who was the search manager.
“The creek had all been searched.
“We had flown (over) and had put K9 units in there.”
But it’s believed that Parker entered a culvert and travelled through a series of pipes.
The body was found on Wednesday in a small pipe on the east side of Deerfoot Trail.
Wall said it’s “like a labyrinth in there.”
While one pipe might be four feet in diameter, a number of others are three or even two feet in diameter.
“We located the remains approximately 450, 500 feet inside the network of pipes,” Wall said.
It’s believed Parker went in wearing the clothes he had on when he was last seen.
It’s believed his shoes at some point washed out of the culvert.
Parker went missing from his day home in the 0 to 100 block of Connaught Drive N.W. sometime between 11:08 and 11:41 a.m. on July 16.
The body was found about four kilometres from there, just shy of two weeks later.
“Today’s outcome is deeply felt by those who spent countless hours looking for him,” McLellan said.
“We hoped for a different outcome.”
Hearts break for Wells family
Calgary’s mayor said he was heartbroken to learn of Wednesday’s development.
“For nearly two weeks, our community rallied around Parker and his family,” Jeromy Farkas wrote on social media.
“Thousands of Calgarians searched, shared information, volunteered their time and kept Parker and his family in their thoughts.
“I want to thank the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department, search and rescue teams, partner agencies, volunteers and every resident who helped in the search — your compassion and dedication reflected the very best of Calgary.”
Farkas said Parker’s family now faces “an unimaginable journey through grief.”
He asked Calgarians to “keep them in your thoughts.”
“Parker’s life ended far too soon, and our entire city mourns with those who loved him most.”
Coun. DJ Kelly, who represents the area where Parker was found, called it “a really difficult day for a lot of Ward 4.”
“Our hearts go out to the family of Parker today,” he wrote.
“While there’s relief that he’s been found, this is obviously not the news that any of us were hoping for.
“I want to thank every single neighbour who went out searching.”
