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Body of second person swept away in Lions Bay landslide recovered

At approximately 5:30 p.m. today, Dec. 21, the body of the second resident was found by emergency crews. 
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The landslide on Dec. 14, which took the lives of two Lions Bay residents, closed the highway for close to 24 hours.

The body of the second person who was swept away in their home during the Lions Bay landslide on Dec. 14 has been recovered, RCMP say. 

The mudslide occurred on Highway 99 beside the Brunswick Road exit ramp early last Saturday morning, taking with it one house.

One of the two occupants in the residence when the slide hit was found dead on Dec. 15. 

The search has continued since for the second person.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. today, Dec. 21, the body of the second resident was found by emergency crews. 

The Village of Lions Bay released a statement this evening, identifying the deceased as David and Barbara Enns.

"David Enns was found on Dec. 15th. Barbara Enns was found today, Dec. 21st, following an intense co-ordinated and skilled search," the release states, noting that the names were being released with the permission of the family.

"Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones during this devastating time," reads the release, which is signed by Lions Bay Mayor Ken Berry. 

"This is a profound loss for the family, friends, neighbours and all of the Village of Lions Bay residents. We join together in our sorrow and send our love to the family."

Resources, including counselling services and financial assistance, are being made available to those who need it. 

The municipality, which has a population of about 1,500 residents, has been working with provincial authorities since the slide, according to the release.

"The recovery was made possible through the tireless efforts of search and rescue teams, local volunteers, and emergency responders who have worked around the clock under challenging conditions. This has involved a Co-ordinated Emergency Team from Lions Bay, Metro Vancouver and the Province of BC, including extensive personnel and equipment."

While the cause of the slide remains under investigation, the release states that the Battani Creek debris flow originated in Electoral Area A, just outside the northerly border of Lions Bay.

The State of Local Emergency declared on Dec. 15 remains in effect. 

"[It] will continue until further notice to ensure ongoing access to needed resources and expertise; the assistance of geotechnical and structural engineers onsite daily," the release says.

Two homes on Goldenrod Avenue remain under Evacuation Order