The bodies of Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, were discovered in a remote basin of West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County, Colorado, at 3:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, according to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities confirmed that foul play is not suspected and stated that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the cause of death.
The pair, both students at Colorado Mountain College Leadville, had been missing since Friday, October 23, when they departed for a hike near Ice Mountain. Their vehicle was located at the Mt. Huron trailhead on Monday, October 26, after college staff reported them missing. Search efforts involved 60 volunteers, including search dogs, drones, and helicopters, amid treacherous weather conditions with heavy snowfall.
Sheriff Andy Rohrich expressed relief that the search concluded with the recovery of the hikers but acknowledged the tragedy for their families. "Our heart aches for Kaden and Jackson’s family and friends," he said in a statement. "We are very proud of our team’s efforts to find them before this weekend’s coming storm."
Search Timeline and Conditions
Authorities pieced together a timeline of the hikers’ movements and the challenges faced during the search. According to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, Matsuda and Donlon left campus on Friday, October 23, under rainy weather conditions. A heavy snowstorm struck the region between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, creating hazardous road conditions and complicating rescue efforts.
Their tent was later located collapsed and covered in snow near Lake Ann, approximately four miles from where Matsuda’s car was found. The area is described as having little to no cell service, and officials warned that Ice Mountain is a very technical climb, particularly under winter conditions with about two feet of snow covering the terrain.
Background on the Missing Hikers
Matsuda, a native of Ridgway, Colorado, was studying to become a wildland firefighter. Donlon, originally from Queensbury, New York, was pursuing a degree to become a mountain guide. Friends and family described them as experienced hikers who were equipped with appropriate clothing for the conditions.
Authorities noted that Donlon was carrying an avalanche beacon, a device used to locate individuals buried in snow avalanches. The sheriff had previously expressed hope that the students might have been hunkered down somewhere, awaiting better weather.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
The Chaffee County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death. The sheriff’s office reiterated that no evidence of foul play has been found and urged the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this time of mourning.
Search and rescue teams from six different counties participated in the effort, navigating difficult terrain and worsening weather to locate the hikers. The operation highlighted the risks associated with backcountry hiking, particularly in remote and high-altitude areas during the transition into winter.
Safety Reminders for Hikers
Officials emphasized the importance of preparation and experience for those planning to hike in the region. Key recommendations included:
- Checking weather forecasts and avoiding travel during severe storms.
- Carrying essential gear such as avalanche beacons, maps, and emergency supplies.
- Informing others of detailed itineraries and expected return times.
- Ensuring familiarity with technical climbing routes and local conditions.