As I write this, my heart goes out to the families affected by the devastating mudslide in British Columbia. The news is grim, but it’s essential we share it with you. Three men have lost their lives, and one individual remains missing, following a series of events that unfolded earlier this week.
The first fatality was reported on Monday, when authorities found the body of a woman at the mudslide site. This marked the first confirmed death linked to the severe flooding and landslides that have affected southern B.C., exacerbated by extreme rainfall over the weekend.
As search operations continued, one body was recovered on Wednesday, followed by two more on Thursday. Unfortunately, efforts to find the fourth missing person were unsuccessful, as harsh weather and difficult terrain hampered rescue teams.
The latest update comes from BC Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, who confirmed that all search avenues have been exhausted, and the search efforts have officially concluded. While this news is devastating, authorities are working to identify the three men and notify their families.
Four individuals remain unaccounted for following the mudslide south of Lillooet along Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road. The area remains closed to motorists, with no projected date for the reopening of the highway.
Lapointe extended her condolences to the families mourning the sudden and unexpected loss of their loved ones, as well as the family of the missing individual who has yet to be located. She added that this has been an extremely challenging year for all of us in B.C., and her heart goes out to the numerous families and communities affected by these tragic events.
At the BC Coroners Service, they remain committed to establishing the facts surrounding these tragedies for the public record and providing recommendations to prevent similar fatalities in the future.