The bodies of three men have been recovered following a catastrophic mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, while a fourth individual remains unaccounted for, RCMP confirmed. The first body was found on Wednesday, with two more located Thursday, according to B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe. Search teams continued efforts into Friday for the missing man but were ultimately unable to locate him.
Earlier in the week, the body of a woman was recovered from the same slide area, marking the first confirmed death tied to the severe flooding and landslides that struck southern B.C. following an extreme weather event.
Authorities have now ended active search operations, stating that all viable leads have been exhausted, though discussions are ongoing regarding potential next steps.
Since the November 15 mudslide along Highway 99—also known as Duffey Lake Road—police and search-and-rescue crews have been navigating treacherous debris fields. Difficult terrain and worsening weather hampered efforts to locate the final missing person.
The highway remains closed with no estimated timeline for reopening.
Officials are working to formally identify the victims and notify next of kin. In her statement, Lapointe extended condolences to those grieving and acknowledged the emotional weight of a year marked by repeated natural disasters across the province.
She affirmed that the BC Coroners Service will continue investigating the incident and, where possible, issue recommendations aimed at preventing future tragedies.
