Three Bodies Recovered After Devastating Mudslide Near Lillooet, B.C.; Search for Fourth Person Ongoing
Authorities have recovered the bodies of three men following a severe mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia. According to the RCMP, search efforts this week led to the discovery of one body on Wednesday and two more on Thursday. However, one individual remains missing.
B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe confirmed these developments in a statement released Saturday, noting that rescue teams continue their efforts despite difficult weather and terrain conditions. Tragically, a woman’s body was also found at the site earlier in the week, marking the first confirmed fatality tied to recent flooding and landslides affecting southern B.C.
The mudslide, which struck on November 15 along Highway 99 (also known as Duffey Lake Road), has left four people unaccounted for. Search and rescue teams, alongside law enforcement, have been working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals amid ongoing challenges posed by severe weather and debris.
“The families affected by these losses are in our thoughts,” said Chief Coroner Lapointe. “This year has been incredibly difficult for communities across B.C., and we remain committed to uncovering the facts and offering recommendations to prevent future tragedies.”
Due to the unsafe conditions, Highway 99 remains closed with no clear reopening date announced. Authorities continue to coordinate recovery efforts and identification of the victims while extending condolences to the families impacted by this devastating natural disaster.
