A remarkable survival story unfolded in Canada’s northeast British Columbia when Sam Benastick, a hiker reported missing over a month ago, was found alive after enduring the harsh wilderness for more than 30 days.
Benastick, 32, had set out on a 10-day camping trip in Redfern-Keily Park on October 17. When he failed to return, authorities launched an extensive search. On November 20, two men working in the area stumbled upon Benastick on a service road, weak but alive, supported by two walking sticks and wrapped in a cut-up sleeping bag to keep warm.
After being reported missing, Benastick explained to police that after initially staying in his vehicle for a couple of days, he made his way to a creek near a mountain, where he camped for another 10 to 15 days. Eventually, he moved down the valley and built a shelter in a dried creek bed. It was here that Benastick, exhausted and frail, made his way to the service road where he was discovered.
The men who found him took Benastick to a nearby hospital, where he was identified and treated for frostbite and exhaustion. “Finding Sam alive is the best possible outcome after such a long search,” said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson of the BC RCMP. Despite his weakened condition, Benastick’s survival defied expectations.
Benastick’s family had been anxiously waiting at the Buffalo Inn in Pink Mountain, British Columbia, where they stayed for over 20 days during the search. Mike Reid, the inn’s general manager, developed a close bond with the family, offering them meals and support throughout their stay. “I’ve got three kids and five grandkids, so I know what they were going through,” Reid said.
The hiker’s recovery was emotional for his family. “He was so weak when he was found, but he’s alive,” Reid shared. After being discharged from the hospital, Benastick and his family visited Reid on their way home, marking an unforgettable reunion.
Extensive search and rescue efforts were coordinated by local teams, including Canadian Rangers and volunteers with knowledge of the rugged terrain. Al Benastick, Sam’s uncle, described him as an experienced outdoorsman, though the conditions were severe. “Imagine being out there, that cold, for that long,” Al said, still in disbelief that Sam survived.
While Benastick’s survival in such a dire situation is nothing short of extraordinary, it underscores the harsh realities of the wilderness and the importance of being prepared. His story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the dedication of those who work tirelessly to bring missing persons home.
