Three Bodies Recovered from Lillooet Mudslide; One Person Still Missing
The bodies of three men have been recovered from the site of a devastating mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, with one person still unaccounted for, the RCMP confirmed following this week’s search efforts.
According to B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, one body was found on Wednesday, and two more were recovered on Thursday. In a written statement released Saturday, Lapointe also noted that search efforts for a fourth missing man continued on Friday but were unsuccessful.
Earlier in the week, on Monday, the body of a woman was recovered at the scene—marking the first confirmed fatality linked to the severe flooding and landslides that have impacted southern B.C., following last weekend’s record-breaking rainfall.
With all search avenues now exhausted, active search operations have been concluded, Lapointe said. However, discussions are ongoing regarding potential next steps.
The mudslide occurred on November 15 along a stretch of Highway 99—also known as Duffey Lake Road—south of Lillooet. In total, four people were reported missing in connection with the disaster.
Rescue crews have worked alongside law enforcement since the incident, combing through the debris field left by the slide. The search has been significantly hampered by dangerous conditions and adverse weather, said B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet.
The affected section of Highway 99 remains closed to all traffic, with no timeline yet for reopening.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families now grieving the sudden and unexpected loss of their loved ones,” Lapointe said. “And to the family of the individual we have not yet found, my thoughts remain with you.”
“This year has been profoundly difficult for so many in British Columbia,” she added. “At the BC Coroners Service, we are committed to determining the facts behind these tragedies and, where possible, offering recommendations to help prevent similar losses in the future.”