LILLOOET, British Columbia — The bodies of three men have been recovered from a massive mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, while one person remains unaccounted for after authorities concluded an extensive search operation along Highway 99.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said search-and-rescue teams spent days working through unstable debris following the mudslide, which struck a section of Duffey Lake Road south of Lillooet.
The disaster occurred amid severe rainfall and flooding that affected parts of southern British Columbia, creating dangerous conditions, damaging infrastructure and triggering multiple emergency responses across the region.
British Columbia Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said one deceased person was recovered from the site on Wednesday, followed by the discovery of two additional bodies on Thursday. Authorities are now working to formally identify the three men and notify their next of kin.
Earlier in the week, on Monday, crews recovered the body of a woman from the same area. Her death was the first confirmed fatality connected to the flooding and landslides caused by the extreme weather.
Search Operation Concludes
Authorities said search teams exhausted all available avenues while attempting to locate the remaining missing person.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said difficult weather and hazardous conditions significantly complicated the operation. The mudslide area remains unstable, with deep debris and difficult access creating additional risks for emergency personnel.
Officials ultimately determined that continuing the active search was no longer safe or practical.
Although the search operation has ended, authorities said discussions remain underway regarding the next steps at the site. Investigators and officials will continue assessing the area while taking into account the safety risks posed by unstable ground and changing weather conditions.
Lapointe offered condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, including those mourning loved ones and the family of the person who remains missing.
“This has been an incredibly challenging year for all of us in B.C.,” Lapointe said, expressing sympathy for the families and communities that have suffered losses during the severe weather events.
She added that the B.C. Coroners Service would continue working to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and, where possible, provide recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Highway Remains Closed
The mudslide also caused major disruption along Highway 99, an important transportation route through the region. The affected section remains inaccessible to motorists, and authorities have not provided a firm timeline for reopening the roadway.
The closure reflects the continuing dangers posed by unstable terrain and the possibility of additional debris movement.
The disaster highlights the broader impact of the extreme rainfall and flooding that struck British Columbia, with emergency crews facing difficult conditions while attempting to protect communities and locate missing people.
For the families waiting for answers, the conclusion of the search marks a painful turning point. While three victims have been recovered, one person remains unaccounted for.
Authorities are now focused on identification, family notification, site assessment and determining how best to proceed safely in the aftermath of one of the region’s most difficult recent weather-related emergencies.
