A hiker who went missing in the harsh wilderness of northern British Columbia has been found alive after an incredible 50 days. Sam Benastick was located on a Tuesday by two men who were on their way to work near the remote Redfern-Keily Provincial Park, situated about 250 kilometers northwest of Fort St. John, as per a statement from the Northern Rockies RCMP.
The two workers took Benastick to the hospital, where authorities confirmed his identity. He had embarked on a solo camping trip in the park on October 7, intending to return after ten days on October 17. When he failed to return, his family reported him missing.
Benastick recounted to his rescuers that he had initially stayed in his car for a few days before making his way to a mountainside creek, where he camped for approximately 10 to 15 days. Eventually, he descended into the valley, constructed a camp and shelter in a dry creek bed, and managed to reach the Redfern Lake Trail, where he flagged down the men who recognized him as the missing hiker.
‘Finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome,’ stated B.C. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Madonna Saunderson. ‘After all the time he was missing, it was feared that this would not be the outcome.’
Reports indicated that Benastick was likely carrying a tarp, a black Osprey backpack, and other supplies when he set off on his adventure. It was also believed that he was using a Honda dirt bike in the park at the time of his disappearance.
Despite extensive search efforts involving search and rescue teams and police dogs, no trace of him was found until his recent rescue. The RCMP emphasized the tremendous effort and resources dedicated to locating Benastick since the notification of his disappearance, expressing gratitude for the successful outcome.
Weather conditions in the area have been severe, with temperatures dropping below -20 degrees Celsius and snowfall accumulating, according to data from Environment Canada. Redfern-Keily Provincial Park is known for its breathtaking yet rugged landscapes, featuring distinctive glaciers, alpine tundra, and rich wildlife, highlighting the challenges faced by those venturing into its wilderness.
