In a remarkable turn of events, a 20-year-old hiker named Sam Benastick has been located alive after spending more than 50 days lost in the rugged wilderness of northeastern British Columbia. Benastick was reported missing on October 17 after he did not return from a planned 10-day fishing trip. He was eventually discovered on a service road, using two walking sticks and wrapped in his cut-up sleeping bag for warmth, a testament to his resilience in the face of harsh winter conditions.
Search and rescue teams described his survival as ‘nothing short of miraculous,’ considering he endured freezing temperatures that plunged below -20°C and significant snowfall during his time alone in Redfern-Keily Provincial Park, located about 250 kilometers northwest of Fort St. John. Initially, the official search was called off on October 28, but the case remained open as volunteers and family members continued to hope for a positive outcome.
After traveling from Kamloops to Fort Nelson to be with her son, Benastick’s mother shared a photo of him recuperating in a hospital bed, giving a thumbs up. Despite his ordeal, he humorously complained about not catching any fish, showing his spirit remained intact. His uncle, Al Benastick, expressed disbelief at how his nephew survived such prolonged exposure to extreme cold.
Benastick set out on his camping trip on October 7 and was expected to return by October 17. However, he faced several challenges, including frostbite and smoke inhalation, due to the conditions he encountered while trying to survive.
The area where he was lost is known for its challenging terrain and lack of potable water, with warnings about rapidly changing weather and wildlife dangers. Volunteer Adam Hawkins described the search conditions as incredibly difficult, having encountered over 15 centimeters of snow.
Despite fears for his safety as the search continued, Benastick’s family remained hopeful. His grandmother expressed her elation when she heard the news of his survival, emphasizing his skills as an experienced hiker and fisherman. She even joked about buying him a GPS for Christmas to ensure he wouldn’t get lost again in the future.
The community around Pink Mountain rallied to support Benastick’s family during the search, showing the strength of their connections. The general manager of the Buffalo Inn, where Benastick’s parents stayed during the search, expressed his joy upon hearing the news of the hiker’s safe return, reflecting the emotional toll the ordeal had on everyone involved.
Now recovering in a local hospital, Benastick’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of preparedness when venturing into the wild.
