Missing Hiker Found Alive After Surviving 50 Days in Canadian Wilderness

On Tuesday, November 26, at 11:30 am, Northern Rockies RCMP were notified that Sam Benastick, who was reported missing on October 19, 2024 had been located.

Two people were headed to the Redfern Lake trail for work, where they saw a man walking toward them. When they approached the man, they recognized him as Sam Benastick.

The two men took Sam to the hospital where police attended and confirmed the man to be the man reported missing.

Benastick told police that he stayed in his car for a couple of days and then walked to a creek, mountain side where he camped out for 10-15 days. Then moved down the valley, and built a camp and shelter in a dried-out creek bed. He then made his way to the location where he flagged down the two men and was taken to safety.

The CBC reported that Benastick was suffering from "frostbite and some smoke inhalation." A SAR volunteer from Prince George described the situation as being "incredibly challenging winter conditions." The area received more than 6 inches of snow, and temperatures had dipped below -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome. After all the time he was missing, it was feared that this was would not be the outcome said Cpl Madonna Saunderson, BC RCMP Communications.

The RCMP thanked the Fort Nelson and North Peace and Search and Rescue teams including other Search and Rescue jurisdictions that provided mutual aid support, the Canadian Rangers along with many local volunteers with extensive back country knowledge of the area.

There are a few more details about the story in this CBC News report, though it's obvious many are still to be told:





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