Note: Police released an updated statement late Thursday afternoon. “Following an examination by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the child located during search efforts yesterday, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, has been formally identified as 11-year-old Parker,” police said. “Investigators do not believe his death to be criminal in nature, and as such, no further information will be released.” CTV’s story continues below: Multiple memorials and tributes are growing as Calgarians mourn the loss of 11-year-old Parker Wells. The non-verbal autistic boy was found Wednesday following a desperate two-week search. Police say Parker likely entered a culvert and travelled through a series of small pipes in the Skyline West and Skyline East neighbourhoods. Police found the body in a small pipe on the east side of Deerfoot Trail. On Thursday, three different nearby locations hosted flowers and signs paying tribute to a life lost too soon. The largest, in Laycock Park, saw a steady stream of visitors throughout the morning. Some left flowers and teddy bears; others left a message to Parker; others stood still for a silent moment of reflection. “It’s heartbreaking,” sign-maker Hailey Poggemoeller told CTV News. “His family‘s probably going through a lot right now, and there deserves to be a lot of memories left behind.” Susan Williamson, who spent hours searching the area, called Wednesday’s discovery “somewhat bittersweet. “Just so there’s closure for the family,” she told CTV News. “My heart goes out to them and I hope they can go on with life. “But at least now we know something.” Up the hill from the park, along Blackthorn Road N.E., a lamppost was covered in Parker-related homages. And just down the street from that, at the Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association, even more flowers and cards were laid. The Calgary Police Service’s Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) was set up to offer help to anyone who felt touched by the news. “Speak to our staff, our volunteers, and of course, visit with our trauma dogs,” Sgt. Daniela Seravalli said, “just to get a sense of comfort and hopefully some resources and support as we move through this tragedy.”
