Three men have tragically been confirmed dead and one remains missing following a devastating mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, according to the RCMP. The catastrophic event occurred on November 15 along Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road, after extreme rainfall and severe weather conditions triggered a massive slide. The area, already prone to landslides during periods of heavy rain, was hit with an unprecedented combination of water-saturated soil and unstable terrain, making the disaster nearly unavoidable.
B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe confirmed that search teams recovered one body on Wednesday, followed by two more on Thursday. Despite ongoing search efforts, a fourth man remains unaccounted for, and operations were ultimately halted after authorities determined all avenues had been exhausted. The identity of the victims is still being verified, and families have been notified as officials continue their work in these challenging circumstances.
Earlier in the week, the first confirmed fatality from the region’s ongoing landslides and flooding was reported. On Monday, the body of a woman was recovered from the slide site, marking the beginning of what has now become a tragic sequence of weather-related fatalities in the region. The combination of extreme rainfall and rapid terrain movement has created dangerous conditions for both residents and rescue teams, complicating recovery efforts and slowing progress.
The RCMP, alongside specialized rescue units, faced major obstacles while attempting to locate and retrieve victims. Unstable ground, continuing rainfall, and the risk of secondary slides made the site highly hazardous, forcing teams to carefully weigh each action to ensure the safety of personnel. “This has been an incredibly challenging year for all of us in B.C.,” Lapointe said in a statement. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families grieving the loss of their loved ones. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Authorities have emphasized that Highway 99 remains closed and that no timeline exists for reopening. Officials continue to warn motorists and local residents that the area is unsafe due to the potential for further slides and shifting terrain. Even as search and recovery operations conclude, the aftermath of the disaster continues to disrupt local communities, with many facing blocked roads, damaged property, and ongoing safety concerns.
The B.C. Coroners Service has confirmed that it is continuing to investigate the fatalities and hopes to issue recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. Officials stress the importance of monitoring weather conditions, maintaining early warning systems, and improving infrastructure to better withstand extreme events.
This mudslide is part of a larger pattern of weather-related disasters affecting southern B.C., highlighting the growing impact of climate change on local communities. From record rainfall and flooding to landslides and road closures, extreme weather events are increasingly common, placing both residents and emergency responders at heightened risk. The Lillooet mudslide serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in vulnerable areas.
While the immediate focus remains on supporting affected families and ensuring public safety, provincial authorities are also planning longer-term measures to mitigate the risk of future disasters. Residents in landslide-prone areas are being urged to stay vigilant, heed official warnings, and take necessary precautions during periods of extreme weather.
As B.C. grapples with the aftermath of this deadly mudslide, the province mourns the lives lost and the families left behind, reinforcing the urgent need for resilience, preparedness, and awareness in the face of increasingly severe weather events.
