(StraightShooterNews.com) – In a shocking revelation of human resilience, a 20-year-old American hiker survived 50 grueling days in the ruthless Canadian wilderness.
In mid-October, Sam Benastick embarked on what was supposed to be a 10-day camping trip in British Columbia’s Redfern-Keily Provincial Park.
When he failed to return or check-in, his family raised the alarm and ran an extensive search.
Despite the efforts of rescue teams, park rangers, and volunteers, the official search was called off in late October, leaving Benastick to be for himself in a wilderness teeming with grizzly bears and wolves.
While many Americans struggle with basic life skills, Benastick was forced to rely on his wits and determination to survive in temperatures plummeting to four degrees below zero.
Missing hiker survived 50 days in Canadian wilderness, at times in frigid temps https://t.co/r6xF9Rk2Kf
— KFOR (@kfor) November 30, 2024
The man’s survival strategy involved initially staying in his car and then setting up camps by a creek and in a dried-out creek bed.
Although he was no expert in crafting makeshift tools, he managed to make walking sticks and a sleeping bag.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police made a statement, “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 out for 10-15 days.”
Interestingly, while Benastick’s family raised over $42,000 through a GoFundMe page to aid in the search efforts, ultimately, the hiker’s determination ensured his survival.
“It’s kind of unbelievable,” said his uncle, Al Benastick. “Imagine being out there, being that cold, for that long.”
His mother posted a photo of him bandaged in a hospital bed and joked that he was “complained that he hasn’t caught one fish.”
Moreover, two individuals on the Redfern Lake trail miraculously discovered Benastick in mid-November.
Family members said the young man is suffering from some frostbite and smoke inhalation but is expected to recover.
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