- Parker Wells was reported missing, prompting a large search effort involving over 300 officers that lasted for two weeks.
- A tip about Parker's shoe led search teams back to the area where he was found.
- Parker was found dead in a water pipe under Deerfoot Trail.
- The National Autism Network says emergency alert systems and first-responder training need urgent change for vulnerable children and their families.
- A group of mothers has started petitions urging officials to launch similar broad outreach emergency messages for categories that include neurodivergent children.
- The National Autism Network will be creating space in the coming days for Autistic people, families, professionals and communities to share stories, identify solutions and help shape real change.
Calgary police have confirmed the tragic discovery of 11-year-old Parker Wells' body in a water pipe beneath Deerfoot Trail, nearly two weeks after he went missing from a day home.3
Chief Katie McLellan expressed profound sadness, stating, "It is with profound sadness that I can confirm that we have found the body of a small child." The search, involving over 300 officers, was one of the largest in recent Calgary history.1
Parker, who was non-verbal and autistic, wandered into a culvert and subsequently into a series of pipes, eluding search teams that included ground crews, drones, and canine units.
The search was reignited by a tip regarding a shoe found nearby, leading teams back to the area.2
Police noted that there was no evidence of criminality in the case, and Parker's disappearance did not trigger an Amber Alert, as police determined he had wandered off rather than been abducted.
In response to this tragedy, the National Autism Network has called for urgent changes to emergency alert systems and first-responder training for vulnerable children. A group of mothers has also initiated petitions for broader outreach emergency messages for neurodivergent children.456
The National Autism Network plans to create spaces for families and communities to share stories and identify solutions for real change.
“The search for Parker involved over 300 officers and lasted for two weeks, making it one of the largest searches in recent Calgary memory. In response to this tragedy, the National Autism Network is advocating for urgent changes in emergency alert systems to better protect vulnerable children and their families.”
