Tragic Mudslide on Highway 99 Claims First Life South of Lillooet
British Columbia’s Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe has confirmed the first fatality from a devastating mudslide that struck Highway 99 south of Lillooet. The victim, a woman, was recovered from the debris following days of relentless extreme rainfall that triggered widespread flooding and multiple landslides across southern British Columbia.
While one death has now been officially recorded, authorities are still searching for three men who remain missing. Efforts to notify their next of kin are underway as recovery operations continue under extremely difficult conditions.
Search and rescue efforts have been severely hampered by hazardous weather and unstable terrain. Janelle Shoihet, speaking on behalf of the authorities, explained that ongoing adverse conditions, including heavy rain and the constant risk of further slides, have made it dangerous for RCMP officers and specialized search teams to access the area safely. The sheer volume of debris and shifting ground has slowed progress significantly, forcing teams to proceed with extreme caution.
As a result, Highway 99 remains fully closed to all traffic. Officials have stated they cannot provide a definitive timeline for reopening the vital route, which serves as a critical link through the mountainous region. Motorists are being advised to seek alternate routes and avoid the area entirely until further notice.
In an official statement, Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe expressed her deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones so suddenly. She acknowledged the profound challenges the province has faced this year due to repeated extreme weather events. The BC Coroners Service continues to work diligently to establish the facts surrounding the incident for the public record while also examining ways to strengthen preventative measures that could help reduce the risk of similar tragedies in the future.
This latest incident serves as a sobering reminder of the power and unpredictability of British Columbia’s changing climate. Atmospheric rivers and intense rainfall have repeatedly battered the region, causing significant damage to infrastructure and posing serious risks to communities nestled in steep, mountainous terrain. As climate patterns shift, such events may become more frequent, underscoring the urgent need for improved infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness across the province.
