The bodies of three men have been recovered from a mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, following a series of search operations conducted this week, according to the RCMP.
One man was recovered on Wednesday, and two additional bodies were located on Thursday, according to a statement from B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe released Saturday.
Earlier in the week, a woman was also found deceased at the site, marking the first confirmed fatality linked to severe flooding and landslides caused in part by extreme rainfall across the region.
Search efforts for a fourth missing man continued through Friday but were ultimately unsuccessful, officials said, as dangerous terrain and poor weather conditions limited access to the slide zone.
Authorities have now ended active search operations after concluding that all viable search avenues had been exhausted, though discussions remain ongoing about whether any further recovery steps are possible.
RCMP and search-and-rescue teams had been working to locate four individuals believed to be caught in the November 15 mudslide along Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road.
B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said the search for the remaining missing person was severely hindered by harsh weather and unstable ground conditions, making recovery efforts extremely difficult.
The affected section of Highway 99 remains closed to all traffic, with officials stating there is currently no timeline for reopening the route due to ongoing safety concerns.
Authorities are now working to identify the deceased and notify next of kin, while the BC Coroners Service continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Emergency officials said the region has experienced repeated extreme weather events this year, increasing the risk of landslides, flooding, and road instability across mountainous corridors. Local communities have been advised to avoid non-essential travel, while geotechnical teams continue to assess slope conditions and potential hazards in surrounding areas.
Officials with the BC Coroners Service emphasized that their investigation will focus on understanding the sequence of events leading to the fatalities, including environmental triggers, timing of the slide, and emergency response actions. They added that findings may contribute to future safety recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of similar incidents in vulnerable regions. Community leaders in the area have also expressed condolences, noting the emotional impact on residents and emergency responders who have been directly affected by the tragedy. Authorities continue monitoring conditions for any further developments in the region ongoing assessment.
