The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have confirmed that the bodies of three men have been recovered from the site of a devastating mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia. One person, however, remains unaccounted for as search operations continue to grapple with the treacherous conditions left in the slide’s aftermath.
According to B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, one body was discovered on Wednesday, followed by the recovery of two additional victims on Thursday. Lapointe made the announcement in an official statement released on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic losses.
Despite determined efforts by rescue and recovery teams, the search for a fourth missing man on Friday did not yield results. Lapointe confirmed that all available search avenues have now been thoroughly explored, and active search operations have officially concluded. However, discussions are ongoing among authorities to determine the next steps and assess the possibility of resuming efforts if new information surfaces.
Earlier in the week, on Monday, crews recovered the body of a woman from the same mudslide site. Her death marked the first confirmed fatality linked to the catastrophic flooding and landslides that have struck southern British Columbia, a region severely impacted by days of relentless, record-breaking rainfall. The extreme weather triggered widespread destruction—washing out highways, isolating entire communities, and displacing countless residents.
Authorities are now in the process of identifying the three men recovered this week and notifying their families. Four individuals had initially been reported missing after the massive slide occurred south of Lillooet along Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road. With these latest recoveries, one person remains unaccounted for.
B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet explained that the ongoing search has been significantly hindered by difficult terrain, unstable ground, and continued poor weather conditions. “The environment has made recovery efforts incredibly dangerous,” she said. “We are working closely with geotechnical experts to ensure the safety of our crews.”
The affected section of Highway 99 remains completely closed to motorists, and there is still no estimate for when it might reopen. Authorities have warned the public to stay clear of the area, citing the ongoing risk of additional slides.
In her statement, Lapointe extended her condolences to all those mourning loved ones lost in this tragedy. “I offer my heartfelt sympathy to the families facing unimaginable grief over the sudden and unexpected loss of their loved ones,” she said. “This has been an extraordinarily difficult year for so many across British Columbia. My thoughts are with all the families and communities impacted by these devastating events.”
Lapointe emphasized that the BC Coroners Service remains dedicated to determining the circumstances surrounding these deaths and to learning from them. “Our goal,” she said, “is not only to bring closure to families but also to help prevent similar tragedies in the future through evidence-based recommendations.”
The November 15 mudslide struck without warning, sweeping across a stretch of Highway 99 and trapping vehicles beneath tons of debris, rocks, and mud. The slide is one of several fatal incidents that have unfolded across southern B.C. amid unprecedented flooding and infrastructure collapse.
Emergency crews, local residents, and volunteers have continued to work around the clock to clear debris, assess damage, and provide aid to those displaced by the disaster. As the province mourns the latest confirmed losses, communities across British Columbia are once again reminded of both the immense power of nature—and the resilience of those who endure its harshest blows.