Sam Benastick shown in an RCMP handout photo.Photo:RCMP

On Tuesday, November 26, at 11:30 am, Northern Rockies RCMP were notified that Sam Benastick, who was reported missing on October 19, 2024 had been located.

RCMP

A 20-year-old hiker has been found alive after being reported missing in October.

On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Sam Benastick was located near the Redfern Lake trail in British Columbia, Canada after being reported missing on Oct. 19, according toNorthern Rockies Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Photo of the search for Sam Benastick from Kamloops Search and Rescue.Kamloops Search and Rescue Facebook

Last week KSAR deployed a team out of region to assist in the search for a Kamloops local. On October 19th, 2024, Sam Benastick was reported missing by his family after he failed to return from a camping trip in the #redfernkeilyprovincialpark

Kamloops Search and Rescue Facebook

Benastick told officials 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” where he made shelter in a dried creek bed.

Cpl. Madonna Saunderson from RCMP said “finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome. After all the time he was missing, it was feared that this was would not be the outcome.”

Officials say Benastick is currently being treated at the hospital at Fort Nelson.

Benastick had two walking sticks and a cut-up sleeping bag around his legs when he was found,CBC Newsreported.

Last week KSAR deployed a team out of region to assist in the search for a Kamloops local. On October 19th, 2024, Sam Benastick was reported missing by his family after he failed to return from a camping trip in the #redfernkeilyprovincialpark

The hiker had reportedly set out for a 10-day camping trip, but was in the wild for 50 days.

“It’s kind of unbelievable,” Benastick’s uncle Al told the outlet. “Imagine being out there, being that cold, for that long.”

The location of the camping trip is remote and known for its “lush alpine meadows, forested valley bottoms, serrated peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and large valley lakes dominate this mountainous landscape,” per itswebsite.

The park warns visitors of severe weather conditions, lack of access to potable water as well as grizzly and black bear encounters.

Local search and volunteer Adam Hawkins told CBC News that the area had been facing “incredibly challenging winter conditions” lately, with over 5 inches of snow and temperatures below negative 4 degrees.

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The family had created aGoFundMe pageto support the private search for Benastick.

“I am hoping to raise money for our family to support the volunteers who are actively searching on ground and in air,” the organizer said. “This money would go towards hotel, campsites, fuel, and food for the crew and volunteers, any money left over will be donated to search and rescue.”

source: people.com