Article – The search for three-year-old Blaise Alexius continued into its third day today as a growing community of volunteers joined emergency personnel in the rugged terrain of Crowsnest Pass. The young boy went missing Sunday afternoon while playing outside his family’s cabin near Crowsnest Lake.
I arrived at the search command post early this morning, where the atmosphere was one of determined focus despite growing concerns about dropping temperatures overnight. RCMP Sergeant Miranda Hayes told me they’ve expanded the search radius to five kilometers from where Blaise was last seen.
“We’re utilizing every resource available,” Hayes said, gesturing toward the helicopter circling overhead. “Ground teams, K-9 units, drones with thermal imaging, and we’ve brought in specialized mountain search personnel familiar with this particular terrain.”
What struck me most was the massive community response. Over 100 volunteers from surrounding communities have joined the effort, many taking time off work or driving hours to help. Local resident Tom McPherson, who’s been searching since dawn Monday, explained why he came out.
“This is what we do here. When one of our own is in trouble, especially a child, we show up,” McPherson said, adjusting his backpack filled with water and emergency supplies. “I have grandkids his age. We won’t stop until we find him.”
The Crowsnest Pass area presents unique challenges for search teams. Its diverse landscape includes dense forest, rocky outcroppings, abandoned mining infrastructure, and numerous waterways. Search coordinator Alisha Rempel with Alberta Search and Rescue said they’re methodically grid-searching each section while prioritizing the most likely areas based on previous cases involving young children.
“Children this age typically don’t travel as far as adults might think,” Rempel explained. “They often seek shelter when tired or scared, which can make them harder to spot but also increases survival chances in these conditions.”
Local businesses have rallied to support the operation. The Bellevue Inn has provided rooms for the family and some search personnel, while restaurants throughout the Pass are delivering meals to the command center. Coleman’s grocery store has donated water and snacks for volunteer search teams.
I spoke briefly with Blaise’s uncle, who asked not to be named. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time but expressed profound gratitude for the community response. “We’re overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness,” he said, his voice breaking slightly. “We just want our little guy back.”
Weather conditions remain a significant concern. Environment Canada forecasts temperatures dropping to near freezing overnight with a chance of light rain. Search efforts will continue through the night with thermal equipment, though many ground teams will resume at first light tomorrow.
As someone who’s covered this community for years, I’ve witnessed the Crowsnest Pass rally during difficult times before. The mining heritage here has created a deeply ingrained culture of looking out for neighbors. This spirit was evident today as I watched volunteers map search areas, prepare meals, and coordinate childcare for other searchers’ families.
Constable Davies with RCMP reminds the public that while volunteer help is appreciated, all searchers must check in at the command post for coordination. “We need to ensure everyone’s safety and prevent duplication of efforts,” Davies emphasized. “We also need to make sure no potential evidence is disturbed.”
Officials have released updated information about what Blaise was wearing: a blue dinosaur T-shirt, gray sweatpants, and light-up sneakers. He has light brown hair and is approximately three feet tall.
Anyone with information, trail camera footage from the area, or who wishes to join the organized search efforts should contact the RCMP Crowsnest Pass detachment or the command center established at the Frank Community Hall.
As darkness falls across the Pass tonight, the search continues. The determination I’ve witnessed today gives me hope that this story will have the ending everyone is praying for. I’ll be back at the command post tomorrow morning to continue covering this developing situation.
