The bodies of three men have been recovered from the site of a devastating mudslide south of Lillooet, British Columbia, while search efforts for a fourth missing individual have been called off after exhaustive operations, according to the B.C. Coroners Service.
Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe issued a statement on Saturday confirming the recoveries. Search teams had been working through difficult terrain and debris on Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road, following the slide that occurred on November 15 amid extreme rainfall and severe flooding across southern B.C.
On Monday, the body of a woman was recovered from the site, marking the first confirmed fatality linked to the widespread weather-related disasters that struck the province last weekend. The four individuals were reported missing after the mudslide swept across a section of the highway.
Search Efforts Called Off
Despite continued efforts on Friday, crews were unable to locate the fourth man. Lapointe noted that all viable search avenues have now been exhausted, though authorities are continuing discussions on next steps. Identification of the three recovered men is underway, with next of kin being notified.
“I also extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who are now grieving the sudden and unexpected death of their loved one, and to the family of the missing person we have so far been unable to locate,” Lapointe said. “This has been an incredibly challenging year for all of us in B.C., and my heart goes out to the numerous families and communities that have endured tragic losses.”
Hazardous Conditions Hamper Operations
B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet explained that adverse weather and hazardous site conditions significantly hampered the search. The area remains inaccessible to the public, and there is currently no timeline for reopening Highway 99 to motorists.
The B.C. Coroners Service will continue its investigation to establish the facts surrounding these deaths for the public record and, where possible, offer recommendations to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This incident is part of a series of landslides and flooding events that have impacted communities across the region, adding to the hardship faced by British Columbians during an already difficult year.