The bodies of three men have been recovered from a mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, while one person remains missing after extensive search operations. According to the RCMP and B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, one deceased man was found on Wednesday and two more were recovered on Thursday. Search crews continued efforts on Friday to locate the fourth missing individual, but no further recoveries were made. Earlier in the week, the body of a woman was also found at the site, marking the first confirmed death related to the severe flooding and landslides caused by extreme rainfall in southern British Columbia.
Authorities stated that all available search avenues have now been exhausted, and the search operation has officially concluded. Officials are currently discussing the next steps while continuing efforts to identify the three men and notify their families. The four men were reported missing after a mudslide struck Highway 99 south of Lillooet, an area heavily affected by the recent natural disaster. Rescue teams worked through difficult and dangerous conditions, but the unstable environment made the operation extremely challenging.
Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe expressed deep sympathy for the families affected by the tragedy, offering condolences to those grieving the sudden loss of loved ones and to the family of the missing man who has not yet been found. She noted that this year has been especially difficult for communities across British Columbia, with many families facing heartbreaking losses due to extreme weather events. Lapointe also emphasized that the BC Coroners Service will continue investigating these incidents to determine the facts and recommend safety measures that may help prevent similar deaths in the future.
Police and search-and-rescue teams had been searching for the missing individuals since the mudslide occurred on November 15 along Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road. B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said the search for the final missing person was severely limited by poor weather and hazardous site conditions. The affected highway remains closed to motorists, and officials have not yet announced when it may reopen. The tragedy highlights the devastating impact that severe flooding and landslides have had across the province, leaving communities to cope with loss and uncertainty.
