The bodies of three men have been recovered from the site of a devastating mudslide south of Lillooet, British Columbia, while search efforts for a fourth missing individual have been called off after exhaustive operations, according to the B.C. Coroners Service.
Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe issued a statement on Saturday confirming the recoveries. Search teams had been working through difficult terrain and debris on Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road, following the slide that occurred on November 15 amid extreme rainfall and severe flooding across southern B.C. On Monday, the body of a woman was recovered from the site, marking the first confirmed fatality linked to the widespread weather-related disasters that struck the province last weekend.
The four individuals were reported missing after the mudslide swept across a section of the highway. Despite continued efforts on Friday, crews were unable to locate the fourth man. Lapointe noted that all viable search avenues have now been exhausted, though authorities are continuing discussions on next steps.
Identifications Underway
Identification of the three recovered men is underway, with next of kin being notified.
