A hiker missing for more than six weeks was found in the Canadian wilderness earlier this week, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Northern Rockies RCMP were notified around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday that Sam Benastic, 20, had been located. He was reported missing by his family on October 19th.
Benastic's family was alarmed when he did not check in after leaving for a 10-day solo camping trip on Oct. 7 during harsh winter conditions with temperatures below 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Sam Benastick, 20, was reported missing by his family on October 19th and was found in the Canadian wilderness on November 26th. (GoFundMe)
Mr Benastic was spotted on the Redfern Lake Trail for work when he saw two people walking towards him. He used a cane to support himself and a cut-up sleeping bag to keep his feet warm.
The men took Benastic to the hospital, where police identified Benastic as the missing camper.
He told police he stayed in the car for a while, then walked to a stream or mountain side where he camped for 10 to 15 days. He then moved down the valley and built a camp and shelter on a dry river bed, eventually cornering the two men.
Sam Benastic's family was alarmed after he failed to check in after setting off on a 10-day solo camping trip in harsh winter conditions on October 7. (GoFundMe)
“Finding Sam alive is absolutely the best outcome. Sam had been missing for so long that there was fear that this would not be the outcome,” said RCMP Corporal. Madonna Sanderson.
The agency also thanked the rangers and volunteers from multiple jurisdictions who provided mutual assistance during the search, as well as from Canada with their extensive knowledge of the region's interior.
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You can see the Canadian flag. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Mr Sanderson said: “The amount of time, effort and manpower that has gone into searching for Sam since he was reported missing has been immeasurable and we are grateful for the fantastic outcome.”
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A GoFundMe was set up by his sister to help with search costs after his disappearance.
