The search for 16-year-old Davon Christiansen entered its third week yesterday as specialized volunteer teams from Manitoba joined local efforts along the North Saskatchewan River. The Edmonton teen was last seen swimming with friends near Terwillegar Park on August 12th when he reportedly struggled against a strong current and disappeared underwater.
I spent yesterday morning with the volunteer search teams as they launched their boats at the Whitemud Park boat launch. The air was heavy with determination despite the emotional weight of the mission.
“We don’t give up until we bring them home,” said Mitch Bowers, coordinator with the Manitoba Underwater Search and Recovery Network. His team of eight volunteers arrived with specialized sonar equipment and underwater drones that can search river depths local teams have struggled to access.
The quiet professionalism of these volunteers—who took vacation time from their regular jobs and drove over 800 kilometers to assist—speaks volumes about the community that forms around these tragic circumstances.
Edmonton Police Service Staff Sergeant Devon Murray confirmed that official search operations had been scaled back last week but expressed gratitude for the volunteer assistance. “These specialized teams bring equipment and expertise that significantly expands our capabilities,” Murray told me as search boats departed.
Christiansen’s family has maintained a presence along the riverbanks each day since his disappearance. His mother, Jenna Christiansen, has established a small command center near the Walterdale Bridge, where community members have brought food, coffee, and emotional support.
“The Edmonton community has wrapped their arms around us,” Jenna said, her eyes revealing the toll of sleepless nights and endless worry. “We just want to bring our boy home.”
Local businesses have stepped up to support the search efforts. River Valley Adventure Co. has provided kayaks and safety equipment, while several local restaurants including The Common and Farrow Sandwiches have donated daily meals to volunteers and family members.
The North Saskatchewan River presents unique challenges for search operations. Its swift current, which can exceed 7 km/h after recent rainfall, creates dangerous undertows and sweeps debris downstream rapidly. The river’s depth varies dramatically, with some channels reaching over 20 feet deep.
According to data from the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance, the river’s flow volume has been approximately 30% higher than seasonal averages following heavy precipitation earlier this month.
For residents who’ve grown up alongside Edmonton’s defining waterway, the river’s dangers are well-known. Last year alone, Edmonton Fire Rescue responded to 114 water rescue calls, a sobering reminder of the respect this powerful waterway demands.
“The river gives our city such beauty, but it requires immense respect,” said Taylor Wilson, a water safety instructor who has volunteered to assist with shoreline searches. “Conditions can change rapidly, and even strong swimmers can find themselves in trouble.”
Community support has extended beyond the physical search. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Christiansen’s basketball coach has raised over $32,000 to support the family and fund specialized search equipment.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of the school year at M.E. LaZerte High School, where Christiansen would have started Grade 11. Principal Kathy Muhlethaler confirmed that counselors will be available for students struggling with their classmate’s disappearance.
As daylight faded yesterday, search teams reluctantly returned to shore, their faces showing the fatigue of hours scanning the murky waters. They’ll be back at first light today, expanding their search zone further downstream.
For now, the riverbanks remain dotted with small groups of searchers and supporters, their eyes trained on the water that has taken a beloved son, student, and friend.
If you have information that might assist the search efforts, Edmonton Police Service asks that you contact them directly at 780-423-4567.
