Police share details regarding survival and discovery of Sam Benastick

FORT NELSON, B.C. — RCMP officers have shared some new information regarding how Sam Benastick survived while missing for five weeks near Fort Nelson and how he was found.

Benastick was reported missing October 19th, 2024, after leaving for a camping trip in Redfern Keily Park.

According to a news release from the RCMP, Benastick first spent several days in his car, before walking to a creek at the side of a mountain and camping there for ten to fifteen days.

“[Benastick] then moved down the valley, and built a camp and shelter in a dried-out creek bed,” the release reads.

On Tuesday, November 26th, at 11:30 a.m., two men were on their way to the Redfern Lake trail for work when they saw a man walking towards them. 

When they approached him, they recognized the man as Benastick and took him to the hospital.

“Finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome,” says BC RCMP Communications Officer Madonna Saunderson. “After all the time he was missing, it was feared that this would not be the outcome.” 

Police are thanking the volunteers, members of various regional Search and Rescue teams, and the Canadian Rangers for their hard work while Benastick was missing.

“The time, effort and resources put in to locate Sam from the time of notification he was missing was beyond measure,” the release reads. “We are thankful for the great outcome.”