Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported earlier this week that a hiker missing for over six weeks has been found alive.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the Northern Rockies RCMP received confirmation of Sam Benastick’s, 20, discovery. His family had reported him missing on October 19th.
Benastick’s family raised the alarm after he failed to check in following a planned 10-day hiking trip begun October 7th. The trip took place in severe winter conditions, with temperatures dropping below 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Two individuals traveling to the Redfern Lake Trail for work spotted Benastick walking towards them. He was using walking sticks and a makeshift leg covering from a cut-up sleeping bag.
The men transported Benastick to a hospital, where police identified him as the missing hiker.
Benastick told authorities he initially sheltered in his vehicle before hiking to an area where he camped for 10 to 15 days. He then moved down the valley, constructing a camp and shelter in a dry creek bed before finally being found.
“Finding Sam alive is the best possible outcome. Given the length of time he was missing, a different outcome was feared,” stated RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson.
The RCMP expressed gratitude to multiple agencies providing mutual aid, along with the Canadian Rangers and volunteers with local backcountry expertise.
“The time, effort, and resources dedicated to locating Sam were immense. We are thankful for this positive resolution,” Saunderson added.
Following Benastick’s disappearance, his sister established a GoFundMe page to assist with search expenses.