Photo courtesy Canadian Press

By CKPG Today with files from Canadian Press

Hiker found

Hiker missing since early October found alive in northern B.C.

Nov 27, 2024 | 8:25 AM

FORT NELSON — Update: RCMP have released more details into the discovery of missing hiker Sam Benastick.

Police say he was located Tuesday (Nov.26) at 11:30 a.m. by two people who were headed to the Redfern Lake trail for work.

Sam told police that he stayed in his car for a couple of days and then walked to a creek, mountain side where he camped for 10 to 15 days. He then moved down the valley and built a camp and shelter in a dried-out creek bed. He then made his way to where he flagged the two men and was taken to safety.

“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” said Cpl Madonna Saunderson, BC RCMP Communications.

“The RCMP would like to sincerely thank the Fort Nelson and North Peace and Search and Rescue teams including other Search and Rescue jurisdictions that provided mutual aid support, the Canadian Rangers along with many local volunteers with extensive back country knowledge of the area.”

Hiker found

Hiker missing since early October found alive in northern B.C.

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Earlier: Mounties have confirmed that a missing hiker last heard from in early October has been found alive.

Sam Benastick’s family reported him missing after he didn’t come home from a 10-day camping trip to Redfern-Keily Park, located about 250 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John.

His family says Benastick started his hike on Oct. 7, his last update to his family was the following day.

Mounties say Benastick is an avid hiker and camper, and he left on the trip with a tarp, a black Osprey backpack with red strings and other supplies.

RCMP say Benastick was taken to hospital after being found. We’ll update this story as soon as more information is released.