The bodies of three men have been recovered from a mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, while one person remains unaccounted for, the RCMP said this week. Search efforts in the area have now been concluded after all available avenues were exhausted.
On Monday, the body of a woman was also recovered from the slide site. Officials confirmed she is the first known fatality linked to the severe flooding and landslides that struck southern British Columbia following extreme rainfall over the weekend.
Authorities are working to identify the three men and notify their next of kin. The RCMP said four people were initially reported missing after the mudslide struck south of Lillooet on Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road. One person has been confirmed deceased as recovery operations continued through the debris field.
Sgt. Janelle Shoihet of the RCMP noted that efforts to locate the fourth missing individual were hampered by poor weather and difficult conditions at the site. The terrain remains unstable, and access has been limited for search and rescue teams.
In a statement, a provincial official identified as Lapointe expressed condolences to the affected families. “I also extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who are now grieving the sudden and unexpected death of their loved one, and to the family of the missing person we have so far been unable to locate,” Lapointe said.
The official added that this has been an especially difficult year for communities across British Columbia. “My heart goes out to the numerous families and communities that have endured tragic losses.”
The BC Coroners Service said it will investigate the deaths to establish the circumstances for the public record. Where possible, the service will also issue recommendations aimed at preventing similar fatalities in the future.
Highway 99 remains closed to traffic in the affected section. There is no timeline for when the road will reopen, as crews continue to assess the damage and safety of the corridor. The closure has disrupted travel between communities in the region and forced drivers to use longer alternate routes.
The mudslide is part of a broader weather-related emergency that brought heavy rain, flooding, and multiple landslides to southern British Columbia. Emergency management officials have been coordinating response efforts across several affected areas, with local governments, search and rescue volunteers, and provincial agencies working together.
Search and rescue teams faced significant challenges throughout the operation. Steep slopes, saturated soil, and ongoing weather concerns made the site hazardous. Officials said every reasonable search option was pursued before the decision was made to suspend active recovery efforts for the remaining missing person.
Investigators are still gathering information about the vehicles and individuals involved. Next of kin notifications are a priority, and further details will be released once identities have been confirmed and families have been informed.
Provincial authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and road stability in the Lillooet area. Residents and travellers are being advised to avoid the closed section of Highway 99 and to follow official updates from the RCMP and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
The events underscore the risks posed by extreme rainfall in mountainous terrain, where saturated ground can quickly trigger destructive slides. Officials have reiterated the importance of heeding weather warnings and road closures during periods of intense precipitation.
