After days of intense search efforts, authorities in British Columbia have recovered the bodies of three men from a mudslide site near Lillooet. Sadly, one person remains missing. The tragedy follows severe flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains that hit the region last weekend.
The first man was found on Wednesday, with two more discovered the following day. Despite ongoing efforts, rescuers have been unable to locate the fourth missing individual. Earlier in the week, a woman’s body was also recovered, marking the first confirmed death from the disaster.
The mudslide struck on November 15 along Highway 99, cutting off the road and leaving four people unaccounted for. Rescue teams worked tirelessly through dangerous conditions, facing unstable ground and bad weather.
Officials have now paused active recovery efforts but continue to assess if more can be done. Families are being notified as formal identification of the victims proceeds.
“This has been a heartbreaking time for our community,” said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe. “Our thoughts are with the families grieving these losses and those still hoping for answers.”
The affected highway remains closed with no clear reopening date. The disaster highlights the growing impact of extreme weather in B.C., prompting ongoing collaboration between communities and emergency services to support recovery and prepare for the future.