A devastating mudslide on Highway 99 near Lillooet, British Columbia, has claimed four lives. Three men have been found dead, while one remains missing. Officials continue to investigate the disaster amid road closures and public grief.
3 Dead, 1 Still Missing After Deadly Mudslide in British Columbia
LILLOOET, B.C. — A powerful and deadly mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia has claimed the lives of three men, with a fourth still missing as of Friday. The devastating landslide struck a stretch of Highway 99 (Duffey Lake Road) on November 15, 2021, during a period of severe flooding and torrential rainfall that impacted much of southern B.C.
Earlier in the week, the first victim—a woman—was recovered from the debris on Monday. On Wednesday and Thursday, crews discovered the bodies of the three men. Search and rescue teams worked tirelessly throughout the week to locate the fourth missing person, but worsening weather and dangerous terrain made operations extremely difficult.
Search Ends, Grief Begins
On Friday, B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe announced that the search operation has officially concluded. All available methods were used, but the site remains unstable and poses significant risk to recovery teams.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those lost in this terrible event,” said Lapointe. “Our entire province is mourning alongside them during an already challenging year.”
Authorities are now working to confirm the identities of the deceased and notify next of kin. Mental health and grief support are being offered to affected families and nearby communities.
Highway 99 Remains Closed
Highway 99 near Duffey Lake continues to be closed indefinitely. Officials warn the area is unsafe for travel, and no timeline for reopening has been given. Crews are still assessing the structural integrity of the roadway and surrounding landscape.
Preventing Future Tragedies
Investigations are underway to understand the exact cause of the mudslide, which was triggered by a combination of heavy rainfall, unstable slopes, and extreme weather conditions. Officials say they are committed to preventing future disasters by improving early warning systems and infrastructure resilience.
A Province in Mourning
This tragedy comes during a difficult time for British Columbia, where communities continue to recover from record-breaking floods, landslides, and wildfires in 2021. The province has declared multiple states of emergency throughout the year due to climate-related disasters.
While the official search has ended, the emotional impact continues. Families wait for closure, and communities come together to grieve, rebuild, and remember those lost.
