Calgary residents held two vigils Thursday evening to mourn 11-year-old Parker, who was found dead Wednesday in underground water pipes beneath Deerfoot Trail.
The non-verbal autistic boy had been missing for nearly two weeks.
Police discovered his body after an extensive search involving hundreds of officers and volunteers. Searchers scoured city blocks and played his favorite Disney songs to attract his attention.
Parker disappeared on July 16 after leaving his dayhome in the 0 to 100 block of Connaught Drive N.
W. The tragic outcome has sparked immediate demands for policy changes from advocacy groups and community members.
National Autism Network Calls for Action
The National Autism Network urged immediate action to prevent future tragedies involving vulnerable youth.
In a news release Wednesday, the group said it will create space for Autistic people, families, professionals, and communities to share stories and identify solutions.
“No child should be lost because the world does not yet know how to find them,” the organization stated.
They emphasized the need to improve search protocols for missing individuals with autism.
Religious and community leaders gathered people from various backgrounds at a vigil at the Sayyidah Zahrah Islamic Centre, located inside the Symons Valley United Church.
Imam Syed Soharwardy said, “Four days ago, I announced that we were going to pray for his safe recovery and reunion with his family.”
He noted the deep emotional impact the event had across the city.
“Unfortunately, he passed away . .
. and it touched everyone’s heart.
So, it was our duty to come together on this tragedy, express ourselves, offer our condolences and sympathies,” Soharwardy said.
He emphasized how the crisis brought the community together regardless of faith.
“It shows that we are one human being, one Calgarian, one Canadian, one Albertan, and when we face any challenges, we come together,” he said.
Tracy Robertson, a minister of St. Thomas United Church, shared thoughts on the collective grief.
“It’s unfortunate that it’s times of crisis that does that, but hopefully this will bleed out into other times where we all see each other as one community, not be divisive and not be divided,” she said.
Volunteers who participated in the search expressed deep solidarity with the grieving family.
Muqadas Baloach, a mental health nurse, said, “I’m here today in solidarity to stand by his family and just let Parker’s mom and dad know that it’s not just their heart that aches; it’s every parent in Calgary that has a child.”
Baloach remarked on the comforting atmosphere created by the large gathering.
“I felt joy seeing everybody was here together and this just shows how Calgary has such a diverse community that is like a big family.
Everybody stood up there to be Parker’s big family for him,” she said.
A second vigil occurred along 60th Ave and Blackthorn Road N. E.
, near where Parker was last seen on CCTV footage. Organizer Steven Phan said, “I think everyone is feeling profound sadness and grief about Parker.”
Phan appreciated the community support despite the short notice.
“Unfortunately it is what it is, and I think it’s just great that the community is stepping up again and coming out here and supporting each other,” he said.
Organizers of the Indigo Alert petition, which aims to amend the emergency alert system for missing vulnerable children, announced the campaign has surpassed 25,000 signatures.
Petition organizer Jen Ball said, “We have Premier Danielle Smith’s support in that there will be changes in the fall and we also got a letter today from Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre backing us.”
Ball expressed gratitude for the political backing. “He has an autistic daughter and his support means everything,” she said.
Local participants also contributed artistic tributes during the neighborhood memorial gathering.
Dave Payne, who played AI-generated music created for Parker, said, “Parker inspired me, the city inspired me, and so did the people, the volunteers, and everyone that searched for him and had him in his prayers.”
Payne expressed gladness that the music provided solace. “People (are) crying and happy to hear it, so I’m happy that it helps them,” he said.
