Two Colorado college students, Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, died instantly from multiple blunt force injuries after falling a substantial distance while rappelling in the Rocky Mountains, a medical examiner confirmed on November 2.
The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and coroner’s office reported that the pair were found near a snow-filled basin of West Apostle Mountain on October 25, two days after they were reported missing. Their bodies were located by search and rescue teams following a 48-hour search operation initiated after Colorado Mountain College Leadville Campus staff alerted authorities when the hikers failed to return as scheduled.
Cause of Death and Investigation Findings
An autopsy conducted by the Chaffee County coroner determined that the cause of death for both Matsuda and Donlon was multiple blunt force injuries, with deaths occurring instantaneously. Investigators concluded that the accident resulted from a catastrophic failure of an anchor point used during rappelling, though the exact cause of the failure remains undetermined.
According to officials, Jackson Donlon was beginning to rappel from a primary anchor point on a rock substrate. The anchor was reportedly backed up by a metal spike and a secondary anchor made of rock substrate. Kaden Matsuda was attached to the same anchor points via his personal anchor device. The failure of the primary anchor led to both individuals falling a substantial distance, though the precise distance of the fall has not been established.
Search and Recovery Efforts
The search operation spanned 48 hours before the hikers’ bodies were discovered near the basin. Their vehicle was located near Ice Mountain, approximately 160 kilometers southeast of Aspen, where the incident occurred. Authorities noted that the area received about 2 feet of snow around the time of the hike, though officials stated that the heavy snowstorm did not directly contribute to the accident.
Background and Experience
Matsuda and Donlon were students at Colorado Mountain College Leadville Campus and were described by peers and family as experienced climbers. They had shared a map of their intended route, and their friends and family indicated that they were properly dressed for the conditions. The sheriff’s office emphasized that Ice Mountain is a highly technical climb, recommending that only very experienced hikers attempt it, particularly in dry conditions.
Official Statements
Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich offered condolences to the families and friends of the hikers, stating, “Kaden and Jackson lived life at the highest peaks, chasing freedoms and panoramic views that most of us only see in pictures.” Rohrich added that while their lives were cut short, they spent their final moments together in a place they loved.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the investigation, including the exact distance of the fall or additional factors that may have contributed to the anchor failure. The case remains under review as officials continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident.