Three Victims Found After Lillooet Mudslide; Search Continues for One Missing
Authorities have confirmed that the bodies of three men have been recovered following a destructive mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia. One individual remains unaccounted for, according to the RCMP, as recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of this week’s severe weather events.
B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe reported that one body was located on Wednesday, with two additional bodies found on Thursday. In a statement released Saturday, Lapointe added that despite continued search operations on Friday, the fourth missing individual has not yet been found.
The first confirmed fatality from the disaster occurred earlier in the week, when the body of a woman was recovered on Monday. The incident is part of the broader impact of recent record-breaking rainfall, which triggered widespread flooding and landslides across southern British Columbia.
As of now, active search operations have concluded, according to Lapointe. However, authorities are still evaluating the situation and discussing possible next steps in the effort to locate the final missing person.
The bodies of three men have been recovered following a devastating mudslide that struck near Lillooet, British Columbia, with one person still missing, according to the RCMP. The disaster occurred on November 15 along Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road, following extreme rainfall that led to severe flooding and landslides across the region.
Authorities reported that four people were initially declared missing after the slide. B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe confirmed that one body was found on Wednesday and two more on Thursday. The first fatality—a woman—was recovered earlier in the week on Monday, bringing the known death toll to four.
Search teams, including specialized rescue crews and law enforcement, have been working tirelessly at the site. However, progress has been challenged by unstable terrain and poor weather conditions, said B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet.
The affected portion of Highway 99 remains closed, with no current estimate for reopening.
“On behalf of the BC Coroners Service, I offer my deepest sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones so unexpectedly,” said Lapointe. “To the family of the person still missing, please know that our thoughts remain with you.”
Lapointe also acknowledged the broader challenges British Columbians have faced this year. “It has been an incredibly difficult time for so many,” she said. “Our role is to understand the circumstances surrounding these tragedies and provide insights that may help prevent similar events in the future.”
Although active search efforts have now concluded, authorities are continuing to assess the situation and consider potential next steps in the search for the missing individual.
