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.
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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.
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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.
