A hiker who went missing for an astonishing 50 days in the harsh wilderness of northern British Columbia has been found alive, marking a miraculous turn of events. Sam Benastick, an experienced outdoorsman, was located on Tuesday by two men who were on their way to work close to the remote Redfern-Keily Provincial Park, situated about 250 kilometers northwest of Fort St. John.
The two workers swiftly took Benastick to a hospital where authorities confirmed his identity. He had embarked on a solo camping adventure in the park on October 7 and was expected to return after a 10-day excursion, but when he did not come back by October 17, his family alerted the police.
During his time in the wilderness, Benastick spent several days in his car before making his way to a nearby mountainside creek, where he camped for approximately 10 to 15 days. He later moved down the valley, creating a shelter in a dry creek bed, and eventually made his way to the Redfern Lake Trail. There, he flagged down the two men who recognized him as the missing hiker and assisted him to safety.
B.C. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Madonna Saunderson expressed joy 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.”
Prior to his disappearance, it was reported that Benastick was equipped with a tarp, a black Osprey backpack, and other supplies, and was likely using a Honda dirt bike in the park. Despite extensive search efforts, including the deployment of search and rescue personnel and police dogs, no signs of him were found initially.
The RCMP acknowledged the immense effort put forth by the search teams, emphasizing their gratitude for the successful resolution.
As temperatures in the area dipped below -20 degrees Celsius and snowfall began, the conditions became increasingly treacherous. The Redfern-Keily Provincial Park is renowned for its breathtaking yet rugged terrain, featuring glaciers, alpine tundra, and diverse wildlife, making it both a beautiful and challenging environment for anyone venturing into its depths.
