The discovery brought an end to one of the largest missing-child searches Calgary has seen, involving hundreds of police officers, firefighters, volunteers and community members.

“For nearly two weeks, so many people woke up hoping it would be the day Parker came home,” McLellan said.

“Instead, we are here to share news that is heartbreaking for his family and for everyone who has been carrying that hope.”

Investigators believe Parker entered a deep culvert west of Deerfoot Trail before travelling through an underground network of stormwater pipes beneath the roadway.

His body was found roughly 450 to 500 feet inside the pipe system on the east side of Deerfoot Trail after Calgary Fire Department technical rescue crews entered what police described as a dangerous maze of underground tunnels.

Police said the tunnel system contained unsafe conditions, including a buildup of gas. That required specialized equipment and aquatic rescue teams to complete the search.

According to investigators, Parker was still wearing the clothing he had on when he disappeared. His shoes are believed to have come off sometime later and were carried by water before being discovered by a member of the public.

That discovery redirected search efforts on Tuesday.

Sgt. Rich Wall said searchers had already searched the surrounding creek, nearby land, used police dogs and flown aircraft over the area. However, the underground pipe network could not be safely searched without specialized crews.

“The clue that was located by the public pushed us into a direction where we needed more technical assistance,” Wall said.

He described the underground drainage system as a labyrinth of interconnected pipes that vary in size from four feet wide to as narrow as two feet.

Police believe Parker travelled more than a kilometre from the point where he was last seen before ending up inside the stormwater system.

Despite the extensive search, Wall said investigators have found no evidence suggesting criminal activity.

“Right now, as it stands, we are still believing that this is simply a case of misadventure, with no criminality involved at the current time,” he said.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has taken control of the scene and will determine the official cause of death. Police said the investigation remains open while those examinations continue.

Throughout the search, investigators reviewed thousands of tips, examined extensive digital evidence and coordinated search efforts across a vast area of north Calgary.

McLellan said she had never witnessed such a sustained search effort during her 35 years with the Calgary Police Service.

“Many of the people involved in the search formed a connection to Parker despite never meeting him,” she said.

Police also credited the Calgary community for helping generate information that ultimately led investigators to the correct location.

Inspector Lee Wayne said the public tip demonstrated why officers repeatedly encouraged residents to continue searching parks, pathways and public spaces.

“This is what makes us so proud of Calgary right now,” Wayne said.

“The strategy was to have the community be our eyes and ears.”

Wayne said the civilian who located the clothing had spent days searching for Parker and kept the discovery confidential while investigators followed up on the lead.

Victim assistance services have since been offered to that individual.

Police said Parker’s family was notified before Wednesday afternoon’s media availability through dedicated family liaison officers, who remained in regular contact throughout the investigation.

McLellan asked Calgarians to respect the family’s request for privacy as they grieve.

“Behind every search map, every briefing, every tip and every hour spent looking was a little boy who was deeply loved by his family,” she said.

While the search has ended, police said they remain committed to determining exactly what happened and providing Parker’s family with as many answers as possible.