20-year-old Sam Benastick has been found alive after spending 50 days in the remote wilderness of northeastern British Columbia. As reported by CBC, the young hiker, who embarked on what was supposed to be a 10-day camping trip in Redfern-Keily Provincial Park on October 7, was discovered by workers grading roads near natural gas wells on November 26.
Benastick’s ordeal began when he failed to return home as scheduled on October 17. His family reported him missing on October 19, and as days turned into weeks, hope dwindled, and fears mounted for his survival in the harsh winter conditions, with temperatures plummeting below -4ยบF (-20ยฐC.)
Mike Reid, the Buffalo Inn general manager in Pink Mountain, B.C., where Benastick’s family stayed during their search, recounted the emotional moment he learned of the rescue to CBC. “Right now, I… it’s amazing. I’ve got three kids myself, and for him to find his son, it’s just amazing,” Reid said.
The discovery occurred when workers spotted Benastick walking along a remote road, using two sticks for support. “This morning, they had just started driving, and they said, ‘The hell is that person doing walking on this road?’ And he had two sticks, one in each hand, and it was Sam,” Reid explained.
Benastick’s resourcefulness likely played a crucial role in his survival. His rescuers reported that he had cut his sleeping bag and wrapped it around his legs for insulation against the biting cold.
Upon rescue, Benastick was immediately transported to Fort Nelson Hospital, where he awaited a reunion with his parents. While details of his 50-day ordeal remain scarce, his survival in such extreme conditions is nothing short of extraordinary.
A GoFundMe set up following his disappearance has raised over 42,000 CAD.
“Sam Benastick is my brother, I am hoping to raise money for our family to support the volunteers who are actively searching on ground and in air. This money would go towards hotel, campsites, fuel, and food for the crew and volunteers, any money left over will be donated to search and rescue.”
– GoFundMe
