Three Bodies Recovered After B.C. Mudslide Near Lillooet; One Person Still Missing
Authorities have recovered the bodies of three men from the site of a devastating mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, while one individual remains unaccounted for, according to the RCMP and the BC Coroners Service.
Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a written statement that search teams continued looking for the fourth missing man on Friday but were unable to locate him. With all available search avenues exhausted, active search operations have now concluded, although discussions are continuing about possible next steps.
Earlier in the week, the body of a woman was also recovered from the mudslide site, marking the first confirmed fatality linked to the severe flooding and landslides that struck southern British Columbia following extreme rainfall.
Authorities are now working to formally identify the three recovered men and notify their next of kin.
Four people had originally been reported missing after the November 15 mudslide south of Lillooet on Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road. Search efforts involving law enforcement and search-and-rescue teams have faced significant challenges due to hazardous terrain and adverse weather conditions.
“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 in her statement.
She added, “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.”
Lapointe also said the BC Coroners Service will continue working to establish the facts surrounding the tragedy and, where possible, make recommendations aimed at preventing similar fatalities in the future.
BC RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet noted that ongoing poor weather and difficult conditions at the site have hampered efforts to locate the remaining missing individual.
The affected section of Highway 99 remains closed to motorists, and officials have not announced when it will reopen.
