A woman has been found dead after her house was swept away in a mudslide in the Metro Vancouver city of Coquitlam over the weekend.
Her death is one of three in the aftermath of an atmospheric river that brought record-breaking torrential rain and flooding to B.C.’s South Coast.
A search and rescue mission was launched for the homeowner after the mudslide blocked Quarry Road around 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
Local Mounties confirmed Monday morning that the 57-year-old was found dead on Sunday evening.
The victim has been identified as Sonya McIntyre, a teacher at Aspenwood Elementary School in Port Moody.
“The priority for SD43 at this time is to support the students and staff of the Aspenwood Elementary community as they struggle with the sad news of the passing of a valued teacher,” a spokesperson for the Coquitlam School District wrote in an email to CTV News. “Supports will be in place as long as necessary for students and staff.”
“This is a deeply tragic outcome and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends,” said Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins, in a news release.
“We would like to thank Canada Task Force 1 – Urban Search and Rescue and Coquitlam Fire and Rescue for their search efforts and locating the victim.”
Police said the woman’s family has been notified and will not be providing any further information.
Meanwhile, Quarry Road between Calgary Drive and MacIntyre Road remains unpassable due to the slide, after nearby residents were asked Saturday to shelter in place while debris blocks the road. Authorities did not provide an estimated re-opening time Monday.
Officials provide update
Coquitlam Coun. Craig Hodge, in his role as acting mayor, provided an update at a meeting Monday afternoon. He said rainfall totals in the city were roughly two-and-a-half times those recorded during the 2021 atmospheric river.
“This was a major event,” he said.
“Tragically, this event claimed the life of one of our community members. So, on behalf of the city, I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones, friends and colleagues of the deceased, our thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time.”
Coquitlam Fire and Rescue Services Chief Scott Young also spoke at the meeting, saying when crews arrived on the scene Saturday afternoon it became clear almost immediately that they would need assistance from the Canada Task Force 1 Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Team.
“Access was challenging, with hydro lines down and a lot of debris in the area,” he said.
The search proceeded throughout Saturday, ended when darkness fell and resumed Sunday morning. More than 20 members of the specialized search and rescue team were deployed.
“The search took place over [a] two-day period, and unfortunately ended in us finding the resident some 250 to 300 meters away from the original site where the home was. The home was not intact at all and had moved quite a distance from its original footings,” Young said.
“It was a sad ending for the teams that were involved, but successful in that they were able to find this person. Honestly, without the equipment and the expertise that they had, we would not have been able to recover that resident.”
Ongoing search for missing hiker
Hodge said at the meeting that local search and rescue crews were still trying to find a hiker reported missing over the weekend.
The Coquitlam RCMP appealed for information later Monday, identifying the man as 59-year-old Robert Belding. Mounties say he was last seen near Pipeline Road and Galette Avenue around 5 p.m. Sunday.
“Police and family are very concerned for Robert’s well-being,” a statement from police said.
Anyone who has seen Belding or has information is urged to call 604-945-1550.
Coquitlam RCMP provided this photo of missing man Robert Belding
On Vancouver Island, a driver was found dead and another person is presumed to have drowned after two vehicles were found submerged in a river.