Man Rescued After Surviving Weeks in the Canadian Wilderness

Sam Benastick has been found against all odds after surviving for weeks in the harsh Canadian wilderness.

At a Glance

Sam Benastick went missing in British Columbia after a planned camping trip.
He survived 50 days in challenging conditions with temperatures below zero.
An extensive search effort involving family, friends, and rescue teams was conducted.
Benastick was ultimately found alive, bringing relief to his family and rescuers.

A Harrowing Disappearance

A 20-year-old hiker, Sam Benastick, failed to return from a ten-day camping trip in British Columbia. Reports of his disappearance on October 19 prompted immediate concern from his family when he didn’t check in as planned. His sister even set up a GoFundMe page that raised over $42,000 to support the search efforts.

The comprehensive search included park rangers, rescue teams, volunteers, and friends. They faced winter conditions that were particularly harsh, with deep snow and freezing temperatures complicating the efforts.

Survival Against the Odds

Benastick managed to survive for an astounding 50 days in the wilderness known for its challenging terrain and wildlife including grizzly and black bears. He coped with temperatures as cold as four degrees below zero by initially staying in his car and then setting up makeshift camps. Sam was found on November 26 by two people on the Redfern Lake trail. He was carrying walking sticks and using a cut-up sleeping bag for warmth.

“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,” Corporal Madonna Saunderson said.

He was immediately taken to the hospital where he was identified and has been recovering from frostbite and smoke inhalation. The Royal Canadian Mountain Police expressed gratitude that their efforts, as well as the contributions from the public and search teams, led to a positive outcome.

Sam Benastick was first reported missing on Oct. 19 after failing to return from a backcountry trip in Redfern-Kiely Provincial Park, an isolated landscape known for its alpine tundra and stark mountainscape in the northern Rockies of British Columbia. https://t.co/p0ILIB28yg

— CBS News Miami (@CBSMiami) December 1, 2024

Relief and Reflection

The family expressed their relief and gratitude for Sam’s survival. Despite the circumstances, their determination was steadfast throughout the ordeal.

“It’s kind of unbelievable. Imagine being out there, being that cold, for that long,” Al Benastick, Sam’s uncle, said.

This story stands as a testament to the power of community, the efficacy of organized search efforts, and Sam Benastick’s will to survive. The trails of Redfern-Keily Provincial Park now hold a tale of human endurance and an inspiring reminder of hope.