An Amber Alert in the abduction of two-year-old Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette, whose father Terry Blanchette, 27, was found dead in his home on 21st Ave. in Blairmore remains in effect.

The alert for Hailey was originally in place just for Alberta, but was expanded to B.C., Saskatchewan and Montana on Monday afternoon.

Police said Hailey was taken from a home in Blairmore at about 3:30 a.m. on Monday.

The RCMP remains on the scene and has called in Southern Serious Crimes Branch investigators.

Tony Hamori, RCMP assistant district commander for southern Alberta, said the death and the disappearance of the little girl are both very troubling.

“We could be dealing with a single suspect or more than that,” said Supt. Tony Hamori in an evening news conference.

Hailey is a Caucasian female child of small build with light brown straight hair, bangs and brown eyes.

The suspect vehicle is described as a newer model white van, with a large rear antenna, with a flag attached. It was seen fleeing from the residence heading west at a high rate of speed.

“We are making an appeal to the public for any information with respect to this white van,” said Supt. Tony Hamori. “Any suspect or suspects seen inside the van should not be approached by the public.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Crowsnest Pass RCMP immediately at 403-562-2866 or a local police station.

September 14 PM:

Sources close to the Pass Herald have confirmed that Terry Blanchette, the father of abducted two-year-old Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette, was found dead this morning in his home on 21st Ave. in Blairmore.

"He was such a good dad, he did everything for her, not many single fathers could do what he did," said Sparwood resident Corrette Harrington, a close friend to the family who often looked after Hailey. "When you saw Hailey with her dad, she would grin from ear to ear."

"Hailey was easy to love, like another one of my daughters," she said.

Crowsnest Pass RCMP has issued an AMBER Alert for Hailey's abduction.

Police said an unknown person took her from her home Monday at 3:30 a.m.

She is a Caucasian female child of small build with light brown straight hair, bangs and brown eyes.

The suspect vehicle was seen fleeing from the residence heading west at a high rate of speed. The vehicle is described as a newer model white van, with a large rear antenna, with a flag attached.

Update: Police have asked people to not approach the suspect. Instead, they are to call Crowsnest Pass RCMP immediately at 403-652-2866 or your local police station.

A new release says, "The RCMP will be holding a media availability at its Airdrie RCMP Detachment today at 5:30 P.M. Superintendent Tony Hamori, Assistant District Officer, Southern Alberta District will be available to answer questions regarding the investigation into the disappearance of Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette at that time."

We will update this story with more details as they come ...

September 14:

Crowsnest Pass RCMP has issued an AMBER Alert, for the abduction of a female child today, September 14 at 3:30 AM from the town of Blairmore, Alberta. The child abducted is, Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette, age 2, a caucasian female child, small build, light brown, straight hair with bangs, and brown eyes. Hailey was abducted by an unknown person.

The suspect vehicle, fled the residence west, at a high rate of speed. The vehicle is described as a newer model white van, with a large rear antenna, with a flag attached.

If you see anything ... DO NOT approach the suspect. Please contact the Crowsnest Pass RCMP 403-562-2866 if you have any information.