Hiker Found Alive After 5 Weeks in Wilderness: A Miraculous Survival Story

Key Points

• Sam Benastick, a 20-year-old avid hiker, was reported missing on October 19 after failing to return from a 10-day fishing and hiking trip in Redfern-Keily Park.

• Authorities had called off search and rescue efforts for the young man in late October due to temperatures dropping to around -20C (-4F).

• Mr. Benastick was found alive on Tuesday by two people headed to the Redfern Lake trail, who recognized him as the missing hiker.

Details of Survival

• According to Prince George Search and Rescue search manager Adam Hawkins, the conditions where Mr. Benastick survived were “very difficult” for anyone to survive in, especially with limited supplies and equipment.

• Mr. Benastick told police that he stayed in his car for a couple of days before walking to a creek where he camped for 10-15 days.

• He then moved down the valley and built a camp and shelter in a dried-out creek bed, surviving winter conditions including some snowfall.

Survival Techniques

• Mr. Benastick cut his sleeping bag and wrapped it around his legs to stay warm.

• Local inn owner Mike Reid reported that the hiker had used this technique to conserve body heat during his prolonged stay in the wilderness.

Rescue Teams Involved

• Multiple rescue teams, including the Canadian Rangers, the RCMP, family, and friends, conducted a ground and air search over a large area of terrain.

• The rugged, remote region was hours from any towns and featured low-lying hills, steep alpine cliffsides, and glaciated terrain.

Current Status

• Mr. Benastick is currently being treated at a hospital for any injuries or health issues resulting from his prolonged stay in the wilderness.

• He was in “rough shape” and nearly collapsed as he was placed into the ambulance.

Key Facts and Details

• Date of Incident: October 19, 2024 (reported missing)

• Location: Redfern-Keily Park in the northern Rocky Mountains, British Columbia

• Duration of Search Efforts: Search and rescue efforts were called off in late October due to challenging weather conditions

• Discovery: Sam Benastick was found alive on November 26, 2024 (Tuesday), by two people headed to the Redfern Lake trail for work

Details Surrounding the Incident

• Age of Hiker: 20-year-old Sam Benastick

• Last Known Location: A trailhead in the region of Redfern Lake – the park’s largest lake, where he was seen using his red dirt bike

• Reason for Being Lost: Mr. Benastick simply got lost during a 10-day fishing and hiking trip

Rescue Efforts

• Multiple rescue teams conducted a ground and air search over a “pretty huge amount of terrain”.

• The challenging weather conditions, including temperatures dropping to around -20C (-4F), made the search efforts even more difficult.