Tragedy has struck British Columbia as officials have confirmed the deaths of three men following a massive mudslide near Lillooet, B.C. The news was officially released in a statement by B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe and has sent shockwaves across the country as communities grapple with the aftermath of recent natural disasters.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the three bodies were recovered this week during ongoing search and recovery efforts in the region, which was devastated by unprecedented flooding and landslides last weekend. The first body was recovered on Wednesday, and two more were discovered on Thursday amid the deep mud and debris that buried large sections of the area.

Authorities had been tirelessly searching for four men reported missing after the catastrophic mudslide, but as of Friday, the search for the fourth man remained unsuccessful. Rescue workers, aided by dogs and specialized equipment, combed through dangerous terrain in hopes of locating the final missing individual.

This heartbreaking incident comes on the heels of another confirmed death earlier in the week — a woman who also perished in the same slide. Her body was recovered on Monday, marking the first confirmed fatality from the natural disaster that has overwhelmed the southern part of British Columbia.

Last weekend’s torrential rains caused widespread flooding and triggered multiple landslides, cutting off communities, washing out highways, and forcing thousands of people to evacuate. The unprecedented rainfall — described by meteorologists as a “once-in-a-century storm” — left destruction in its wake, with roads, farms, and homes submerged or damaged beyond repair.

“The loss of life is a devastating reminder of the power of nature and the vulnerability we all face when extreme weather events strike,” said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those lost. We thank the dedicated search and rescue teams who continue to put themselves at risk to recover and bring closure to grieving families.”

The community of Lillooet, located in a remote and mountainous part of B.C., is now mourning the loss of its residents and bracing for further challenges in the weeks to come. Emergency responders have issued warnings for potential additional slides, as saturated soil conditions remain unstable in many parts of the province.

While the search for the fourth missing individual continues, provincial leaders have called for increased support and resilience in the face of climate-related disasters. Environmental experts are urging long-term planning and infrastructure reinforcement to withstand such extreme events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.

As Canada reflects on this sorrowful event, vigils and memorials are being planned to honor the lives lost and support those affected. The nation stands in solidarity with British Columbia during this time of profound loss and recovery.