Three men were found dead following a devastating mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, as search crews continued recovery operations this week. The bodies were located on Wednesday and Thursday, with a fourth man still missing despite extensive efforts on Friday, according to B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe. Earlier in the week, the first confirmed fatality was a woman whose body was recovered on Monday.
The mudslide, which struck on November 15, 2021, swept across a portion of Highway 99 (Duffey Lake Road) amid severe flooding and heavy rain that impacted southern B.C. The RCMP and search and rescue teams were deployed to locate the four missing individuals, but worsening weather and dangerous site conditions hampered their efforts.
Authorities have now concluded the search operation, stating that all available options have been exhausted. Discussions are ongoing regarding next steps, while police work to identify the victims and notify their families. Lapointe extended condolences to the grieving families and acknowledged the emotional toll on the entire province during an already difficult year.
Highway 99 remains closed with no timeline for reopening. The site is still restricted to traffic as safety remains a concern. Officials emphasize their commitment to understanding the causes of these fatalities and to exploring measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
