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Parker, an 11-year-old non-verbal boy with autism, shown in this undated handout photo, went missing from a day home in Calgary's north end on Thursday, July 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Calgary Police Service (Mandatory Credit)

Vigil held for Calgary boy, 11, found dead in pipe system after disappearance

Aug 6, 2026 | 2:00 AM

CALGARY — A vigil was held outside Calgary’s city hall on Wednesday evening for an 11-year-old boy with autism who was found dead inside a labyrinth of water pipes a week earlier.

Parker’s disappearance from a northside day home last month prompted a massive two-week search that saw police officers, search and rescue experts, and residents scour city blocks and blast Disney music to try to find him.

Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan told those gathered at the vigil that the search was filled with “deeply human” acts of kindness, such as leaving water bottles and snacks for Parker to hopefully find.

She added that Parker would always have a special place in the hearts and heads of Calgarians.