RCMP and Search and Rescue Alberta say they are ending the search for six-year-old Darius Macdougall.
RCMP had maintained optimism for finding the boy alive, but said last weekend his chances of survival had decreased to less than five per cent.
“If Darius is still in the search area, it is presumed he is no longer alive,” Cpl. Gina Slaney said in an update on Wednesday.
The boy was last seen on Sept. 21 while walking with six young relatives in the area. The family from Lethbridge had been camping in the area.
Hundreds of responders have combed through the mountainous southern Alberta terrain searching for the boy, who has autism, for the last 11 days.
Helicopters, dogs, drones and underwater teams have also been used to search for Darius.
The boy’s autism likely complicated the search effort, according to rescuers, because it may have prevented him from responding to his name.
RCMP maintain there has been nothing to indicate foul play in the boy’s disappearance.
The boy’s family says they’re grateful to the searchers and won’t rest until he’s brought home.
RCMP and Search and Rescue crews say they will now rely on tips from the public, who will once again be able to enter the area.
-With files from The Canadian Press