A 20-year-old hiker, Sam Benastick, has been found alive after enduring more than five weeks in the harsh wilderness of northeastern British Columbia. Benastick was reported missing on October 17 after he did not return from a planned 10-day camping and fishing trip in the remote Redfern-Keily Provincial Park. His disappearance prompted an extensive search effort involving over 120 volunteers, canine units, and aerial support, but the official search was called off on October 28. His family, however, never lost hope and continued searching for him. Benastick was eventually discovered on a service road on Tuesday, November 26, by workers grading the area. He was in poor physical condition, relying on two walking sticks and wrapped in a cut-up sleeping bag for warmth. His mother, who had traveled from Kamloops to be with her son during the search, shared a photo of him in the hospital, expressing her relief and joy at his survival. Despite suffering from frostbite and smoke inhalation, Benastick’s resilience has left many in awe. His uncle described the situation as unbelievable, given the extreme conditions he faced, including temperatures dropping below -20°C and heavy snowfall. Community support played a crucial role during the search, and Benastick’s family expressed their gratitude to everyone involved. As he recovers in a Fort Nelson hospital, they look forward to his return to health and the incredible story he will share about his survival in the wilderness.
