A remarkable survival story has emerged from the wilderness of British Columbia, where 20-year-old Sam Benastick was found alive after enduring over 50 harrowing days alone in the freezing Northern Rockies. Rescued near the Redfern Lake trail, he had battled what many would deem unimaginable conditions, surviving howling winds, sub-zero temperatures, and the stark challenges of wilderness survival.
The ordeal began on October 19, when Benastick was reported missing after he failed to return from what was supposed to be a brief hiking and fishing trip. Described as an avid hiker with substantial experience outdoors, his absence raised immediate concerns among family and friends. They organized search efforts, not only relying on authorities but also enlisting the help of local volunteers familiar with the rugged terrain.
His family, including his mother who repeatedly posted updates on social media, spent agonizing weeks worrying for his safety. They stayed at the Buffalo Inn in Pink Mountain during the desperate search. "Finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome. After all the time he was missing, it was feared this would not be the outcome," said Cpl Madonna Saunderson from the RCMP.
On November 28, the search came to a miraculous close when two men on their way to work spotted Benastick walking along the trail, using trekking poles to support himself. They initially thought he looked like someone who might need assistance, and as they got closer, they recognized him. They quickly took him to the car, nearly collapsing with exhaustion as they reached out to feed him sandwiches and contact his father.
Benastick's survival story is dotted with harrowing details. He initially sought refuge for several days inside his vehicle before moving to the nearby creek, where he camped for two weeks. With temperatures plunging to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 degrees Celsius), and reports of active bears lurking nearby, his circumstances were dire. During his time alone, he had to employ every ounce of his outdoor skillset to make it through blatant hunger and ruthless winds.
He later recounted to authorities how he had constructed makeshift shelters and created warmth by cutting his sleeping bag to wrap it around his legs—an ingenious move for someone with limited supplies. Environments like the one Benastick faced are especially treacherous, with rugged terrain and frigid conditions being the norm during this time of year.
Experts were astonished at the miraculous ability of Benastick to survive such environment—a space riddled with challenges many seasoned hikers might not withstand. Adam Hawkins, search manager for Prince George Search and Rescue, stated, "Those are very difficult conditions for really anyone to survive, especially with limited supplies and equipment and food."
He was missing for 50 days, and many locals took part, contributing their knowledge of the area, yet the bitter cold and biting winds eventually compelled the search teams to call off operational efforts due to safety concerns as the weather was growing too severe.
Weeks earlier, when hope ebbed low, whispers began circulating within the community about his potential fate. Nonetheless, the sheer nature of his discovery was met with relief and disbelief. A photo shared by his mother following the rescue shows him wearing a hospital eye mask, giving two thumbs up—a small symbol of his recovery and determination to thrive beyond this ordeal.
Eileen Stevens, Benastick's grandmother, shared her elation when she learned of his survival, expressing her unwavering belief he could make it through. "Sam is great with the outdoors. He’s passionate about fishing and hiking. He’s been prepared and did his research before going on this trip," she said. His family versed him well for such incidents, but no preparation could account for the harshness he would soon face.
Stories of missing hikers often circulate, illustrating the risks tied to adventuring outdoors. Benastick is just one of many who found themselves lost and eventually rescued—intent on exploring the wild only to come face to face with nature's unforgiving side. It's notable to recall other survival stories of 2024—like Lukas McClish, who made headlines after spending ten days missing with minimal supplies, and Robert Schock, who survived over a month lost within North Cascades National Park.
This most recent tale has sparked conversations about backcountry safety, emphasizing precautions necessary when one sets out on ventures away from the paved path. Hiking can be inherently risky—exposing unprepared adventurers to nature's wrath and unpredictable elements. Lack of GPS and inaccurate maps were complications hiked by the growing frequency of heart-wrenching missing person reports throughout wilderness regions.
Throughout his experience, Benastick demonstrated resilience, ingenuity, and sheer will to live, solidifying a narrative of survival befitting adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. While recovery will take time, he is expected to regain strength and perhaps even return to the trails where he thrives. His story resonates—every hiker should be urged to respect the unpredictability of nature and undertake thorough preparation to avoid mishaps similar to those faced by Benastick.
Finding Sam Benastick after more than 50 days serves as both relief and as stark reminder of the wilderness’s capacity for peril. Each hiker must remain armed with knowledge, resources, and respect for the wild.
