Three Bodies Recovered from B.C. Mudslide, One Still Missing
The bodies of three men have been recovered following a deadly mudslide near Lillooet, B.C., according to RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Service. One individual remains unaccounted for as search efforts conclude.
B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe confirmed that one body was found on Wednesday, and two more were recovered Thursday. All were located in the area affected by a slide that occurred earlier this week after extreme rainfall triggered flooding and landslides across southern British Columbia.
Efforts to locate the fourth missing man continued into Friday but were unsuccessful. With no additional leads, Lapointe stated that active search operations have now concluded. Authorities are still discussing the best path forward.
The tragic discovery follows the recovery of a woman’s body on Monday from the same mudslide site, marking the first confirmed fatality from the event. In total, four people are now presumed dead as a result of the natural disaster.
The mudslide occurred along Highway 99 south of Lillooet, a region hit hard by torrential rain that caused widespread flooding and numerous landslides throughout the province.
RCMP stated that all available search avenues have been exhausted. Despite ending the formal search, officials remain in contact with the families of the missing and will provide updates as needed.
The devastating slide is one of several weather-related emergencies to impact British Columbia in recent months, raising concerns about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
Authorities continue to monitor the area for further risks and are urging residents in vulnerable regions to remain alert as the province recovers from the latest series of natural disasters.
