A 20-year-old hiker from British Columbia, Sam Benastick, has been found alive after an astonishing 50 days lost in the wilderness. Benastick went missing on October 17 after failing to return from a planned 10-day camping trip in Redfern-Keily Provincial Park, located about 250 kilometers northwest of Fort St. John. His disappearance sparked a large-scale search operation involving over 120 volunteers, RCMP canine units, and aerial support.
On Tuesday morning, Sam was discovered on a service road, using two walking sticks for support, with a cut-up sleeping bag wrapped around his legs for warmth. Despite the harsh winter conditions, with temperatures dropping below -20 degrees Celsius and more than 15 centimeters of snow accumulating in the area, he managed to survive.
Mike Reid, the manager of the Buffalo Inn in Pink Mountain, where Benastick’s family stayed during the search, described the moment of discovery as miraculous. Reid recounted how workers grading nearby well sites stumbled upon Sam, who was nearly collapsing from exhaustion.
Benastick had last been seen riding a red Honda dirt bike at the trailhead of Redfern Lake trail. Initially, he stayed in his vehicle for a few days before moving to a creek and constructing makeshift shelters in a dried-out creek bed. His family, who had been anxiously searching for him, expressed their relief and gratitude when they received the news of his safe return.
Sam’s uncle, Al Benastick, remarked on how unbelievable it was for someone to endure such extreme conditions for so long, while Sam’s mother shared a photo of him giving a thumbs up from his hospital bed, humorously noting that he complained about not catching any fish.
As he recovers in the hospital, it’s clear that Sam’s experience will become a remarkable story of survival and resilience. His family, including his ‘Nana,’ Eileen Stevens, expressed pride in his skills as an outdoorsman and his preparedness for the trip. Community members are being lauded for their unwavering support during the search, highlighting the strength and spirit of the local area.
The RCMP confirmed that they would gather more details from Benastick about his ordeal once he is feeling better, but for now, the focus remains on celebrating the remarkable outcome of finding Sam alive after a harrowing five weeks in the wilderness.
