After a multi‑day effort battling snow and looming storms, officials say the missing Colorado Mountain College hikers have been located dead in a mountain basin.
Key points
- Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon were found dead in a basin on West Apostle Mountain after a multi‑day search.
- About 60 searchers, including deputies, volunteers, helicopters and dogs, participated in the operation.
- Heavy snow, icy conditions and an approaching storm complicated rescue efforts.
- No foul play is suspected; the cause of death will be confirmed by an autopsy.
Sheriff Andy Rohrich announced Wednesday that the bodies of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon, two Colorado Mountain College students who vanished during a weekend mountain trip, were recovered in a basin on West Apostle Mountain around 3:30 p.m.
The search, which involved roughly 60 volunteers, deputies, helicopters, drones, search dogs and beacon technology, began after the students failed to return from a planned camp near Ice Mountain. A helicopter later spotted their collapsed tent under heavy snow, prompting teams to expand the effort around West Apostle Peak.
Search effort and conditions
In a statement to 11 News, Rohrich expressed sorrow for the families and praised the rescuers’ dedication, noting the operation was racing against worsening weather. Colorado Mountain College released a statement saying it was devastated by the loss and grateful to the search and rescue professionals who devoted themselves to the effort.
Rescuers faced several feet of fresh snow, icy terrain and the threat of additional winter storms that could ground aircraft and limit drone flights. The tent’s collapse and the hazardous conditions forced crews to rely on scent‑trained dogs and beacon searches, though the avalanche beacon typically carried by Jackson had not been located as of Wednesday.
Discovery and response
Investigators do not suspect foul play, but the exact cause and manner of death will be determined by an autopsy. The sheriff’s office said the discovery allows the investigation to move forward while the community mourns the tragedy.
Reader questions
What caused the hikers' deaths?
Investigators have not yet determined the cause; an autopsy will establish the manner of death, and no foul play is currently suspected.
How many people were involved in the search?
Sheriff’s officials said roughly 60 searchers took part, using helicopters, drones, search dogs and beacon technology.
What weather conditions affected the rescue effort?
Rescuers contended with several feet of fresh snow, icy terrain and an incoming winter storm that threatened to ground aircraft and cover evidence with additional snow.
Source: kktv.com