A hiker who was lost in the Canadian wilderness for more than five weeks in freezing temperatures has been found.
Sam Benastick embarked on a solo 10-day trip for camping, fishing, and hiking in Redfern-Keily Provincial Park, located northwest of Fort St. John, BC, Canada, on October 7.
However, concerns arose when the 20-year-old was reported missing on October 19, as his family had not heard from him after the 10-day period.
After being missing for five weeks, Sam was finally located, according to Northern Rockies Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) who announced the discovery on Tuesday, November 26.
Sam was found by two individuals who were on their way to work near the Redfern Lake trail.
Once they confirmed his identity, they quickly took him to a hospital where the police further verified who he was.
Sam reportedly informed the police that he initially stayed in his car for a few days before setting out on his 10-day camping trip. He then moved to a creek on a mountainside where he camped for 10 to 15 days.
Later, he relocated to a dried-out creek bed where he constructed a camp and shelter.
On Tuesday, November 21, he managed to catch the attention of the two passersby, reportedly using two walking sticks for support and wrapping a cut-up sleeping bag around his legs for warmth.
During the five weeks Sam was missing, his parents, along with over 100 volunteers, RCMP canine units, and aerial support, searched for him while staying at Buffalo Inn in Pink Mountain, B.C.
Mike Reid, the inn’s general manager, shared with CBC News: “You know, the guy says he’s in rough shape. But man, for 50 days out in that cold, he’s going to live.”
Sam’s uncle, Al Benastick, reported that his nephew had ‘frostbite’ and suffered from ‘some smoke inhalation,’ expressing disbelief at his survival.
He remarked: “Imagine being out there, being that cold, for that long.”
Adam Hawkins, a search volunteer from Prince George, highlighted how the temperatures can plummet below -4°F, presenting ‘incredibly challenging’ conditions.
BC RCMP Communications spokesperson, Madonna Saunderson, commented: “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.”
The RCMP statement concluded by thanking the Fort Nelson and North Peace Search and Rescue teams, other jurisdictions that provided aid, the Canadian Rangers, and the many local volunteers with valuable knowledge of the area.
“The time, effort and resources put in to locate Sam from the time of notification he was missing was beyond measure. We are thankful for the great outcome.” she concluded.