Missing for more than a month in the Canadian jungle, Sam was no longer being sought, due to the dangerous and extreme conditions of the place where he was last seen. Against all odds, he was found alive.
A 20-year-old man who disappeared during a trip to Redfern-Keily Park in British Columbia, Canada, was found alive after surviving five weeks in the wild with temperatures that reached -20°Caccording to .
Reported missing on October 19, Sam Benastick had gone on a 10-day trip to a remote park in the northern Rockies. Search efforts were abandoned late last month due to extreme weather conditions. But the tragic story changed direction completely on Tuesday.
Sam was unexpectedly found alive by two workers who were heading to Lake Redfern and saw him walking towards them. He was immediately transported to a hospital, where authorities confirmed his identity. He was supported by his two hiking poles and had his sleeping bag cut around his legs for warmth.
Despite being in poor physical condition after weeks of exposure to sub-zero temperatures, he is expected to recover.
Corporal Madonna Saunderson of the Royal Canadian Police (RCMP) was relieved: “Finding Sam alive is the best outcome. After all this time, we were afraid it wouldn’t end like this,” he said, speaking to the police.
Sam has already shared more details with authorities about their harrowing journey of survival.
He initially stayed in his car for a few days before moving to a creek, where he camped for about two weeks. He later moved to a dry creek bed in the valley, where he built a shelter to sustain him for the remaining weeks, before venturing into the area where he was eventually found.
Sam, before he got lost
The rescue effort involved more than 120 volunteers from all over British Columbia. Teams included the RCMP, Canadian Rangers and local search and rescue groups from Fort Nelson and North Peace until high-danger searches were suspended.
Benastick’s parents patrolled the search area for 20 days — they stayed nearby, never giving up hope of finding their son alive.
