FORT NELSON -- The search for 20-year-old Sam Benastick, who went missing near the Sikanni Chief area, has been paused.

Benastick’s mother confirmed that Search and Rescue teams suspended their efforts on Tuesday.

“Endless volunteers searching on the Redfern Trail resulted in no trace,” said Sandra Crocker in a Facebook post, “We scoured the Sikanni Chief with no results, and the Buckinghorse today.”

RCMP resources along with volunteer Search and Rescue teams from across the province, were deployed to assist in an ‘extensive’ ground and aerial search last week in an effort to locate Benastick.

He was reported missing October 19th, after disappearing during a camping trip 200 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John.  

According to RCMP, he was supposed to have returned by October 17th, last updating his family on October 8th.

"This is out of character for Benastick, and his family are concerned for his well-being," said Northern Rockies RCMP, describing him as an experienced hiker and camper.

Investigators have since determined that he was riding a red Honda dirt bike, had a tarp, a black Osprey backpack with red strings, and other camping supplies with him when he set out on the trip.

Anyone with information related to his whereabouts is being asked to contact the Northern Rockies RCMP.