Authorities have confirmed that the bodies of three men have been recovered following a devastating mudslide near Lillooet, B.C., with one man still missing. The RCMP reported that one victim was found on Wednesday, and two more were located on Thursday.
B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe stated in a written update that search efforts for the fourth missing man continued on Friday but were unsuccessful. Earlier in the week, on Monday, rescue teams had also recovered the body of a woman from the same site—marking the first confirmed fatality linked to the severe flooding and landslides caused by last weekend’s extreme rainfall in southern British Columbia.
With all viable search options now exhausted, Lapointe confirmed that active recovery operations have ended, though discussions are underway about possible next steps. Authorities are working to identify the three men and notify their families.
Four people were initially reported missing after the November 15 mudslide struck a section of Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road. The slide left the area impassable and buried large portions of the roadway under debris.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families grieving these sudden and tragic losses, as well as to the loved ones of the person we have not yet located,” Lapointe said. “This has been an incredibly challenging year for British Columbia, and my thoughts are with the many communities that have endured such hardship. We remain committed to uncovering the facts surrounding these events and making recommendations to help prevent similar tragedies.”
RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet explained that the search for the final missing person was hampered by poor weather and dangerous site conditions. The affected stretch of highway remains closed to the public, and there is no estimate for when it will reopen.