A remarkable tale of survival has emerged from the frozen wilderness of northern British Columbia, where a hiker who was missing for 50 days has been found alive. Sam Benastick, an avid outdoorsman, set out on a solo camping adventure in Redfern-Keily Provincial Park on October 7, but failed to return as scheduled on October 17. His family reported him missing when he did not arrive home.
Benastick was discovered on a Tuesday by two men who were on their way to work, approximately 250 kilometers northwest of Fort St. John. After recognizing him, they rushed him to a hospital where authorities confirmed his identity.
During his time in the wilderness, Benastick initially stayed in his vehicle for a few days before moving to a mountainside creek where he camped for around 10 to 15 days. He then relocated to a dry creek bed, constructing a shelter and later making his way to the Redfern Lake Trail. His journey culminated in a successful rescue when the two men, aware of his disappearance, spotted him and brought him to safety.
B.C. RCMP spokesperson Corporal Madonna Saunderson expressed relief at the outcome, stating, “Finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome. After all the time he was missing, it was feared that this would not be the outcome.”
Authorities noted that Benastick was believed to have carried a tarp and a black Osprey backpack on his trip. Investigators indicated he might have used a Honda dirt bike while navigating the park. Despite extensive search efforts, including the deployment of search and rescue personnel and police dogs, no trace of him had been found until his rescue.
Temperatures in the area have plummeted below -20 degrees Celsius, with heavy snowfall complicating the search efforts. Redfern-Keily Provincial Park, known for its stunning and rugged landscapes, is characterized by its glaciers, alpine tundra, and diverse wildlife, making it a challenging environment for any adventurer.
This incident highlights the resilience of individuals who venture into the great outdoors, as well as the importance of thorough search and rescue operations in remote areas. The community is grateful for Benastick’s safe return, and his story serves as a reminder of both the beauty and the dangers of nature.
