Three men have been confirmed dead following a devastating mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, as search efforts concluded this week. B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe confirmed that one body was recovered on Wednesday, with two more found Thursday. A fourth man remains missing, despite continued search efforts on Friday.
Earlier in the week, a woman’s body was recovered from the same slide site, marking the first confirmed fatality linked to the catastrophic flooding and landslides that swept across southern B.C. after a weekend of torrential rainfall. The mudslide struck a portion of Highway 99—also known as Duffey Lake Road—on November 15, leaving four people initially reported missing.
Authorities have now ended active search operations, stating all possible efforts have been exhausted, though discussions are ongoing about potential next steps. Police are working to confirm the identities of the deceased and notify their families. “My heartfelt condolences go to those grieving this sudden loss,” said Lapointe, who acknowledged the year’s many hardships for B.C. residents.
The site remains closed to vehicles, and there is no estimate for when the highway will reopen. Weather and terrain continue to challenge recovery efforts. Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet of the RCMP emphasized the ongoing difficulties, particularly in locating the final missing individual.
