Two college students who disappeared during a hiking trip in Colorado have been found dead near West Apostle Mountain, bringing a tragic end to an extensive search involving nearly 50 rescuers, helicopters, drones and specialist aircraft.
Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, set out to hike near Ice Mountain in northern Chaffee County on October 23. When they failed to return as expected, staff at Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville Campus contacted the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office at around 10am on October 26.
Deputies and search-and-rescue teams began looking around Winfield and the Mount Huron trailhead, where they discovered Matsuda’s vehicle covered in snow.
The search eventually led rescuers to the hikers’ tent and, later, to their bodies. The two young men were found lying next to each other near a basin of West Apostle Mountain, authorities said.
Kaden Matsuda (left) and Jackson Donlon (right) left for a hike to Colorado’s Ice Mountain on October 23 but did not return
Search Teams Battled Snow and Difficult Mountain Conditions
The weather had deteriorated significantly since the students began their hike. Rain was falling in the area when they set out, before turning to snow that eventually covered their vehicle with approximately eight inches.
Nearly 50 searchers took part in the operation, supported by search dogs and their handlers, drones, helicopters and a multimission aircraft equipped with infrared technology.
Despite the extensive efforts, rescuers initially struggled to locate the missing students.
Their tent was eventually discovered after a day of searching, but it had collapsed under the weight of accumulated snow. Inside, teams found sleeping bags, a stove and clothing.
Investigators also noted that the hikers’ phones had not been used during the final 48 hours of their disappearance. However, authorities cautioned against drawing conclusions from the lack of activity, explaining that mobile service in the remote area was extremely limited and the students may have switched off their devices to conserve battery power.
The staff at Colorado Mountain College Leadville Campus alerted the police after which a extensive search for the two young men began
Searchers and rescue teams looked for Matsuda and Donlon for 48 hours. Their bodies were found near a basin of West Apostle Mountain
Missing Climbing Equipment Raised Questions About Their Route
As the investigation progressed, search teams examined the students’ dormitories, vehicle and tent for clues about their plans.
Authorities said their climbing equipment was missing from all three locations. This suggested that Matsuda and Donlon may have intended to undertake a more technical climb after leaving their campsite.
Their everyday walking shoes were found inside the tent, while the footwear they used for advanced climbing was missing.
Investigators also discovered rubbish inside the tent, which they said suggested the pair had eaten before setting off.
Friends told police that the students were experienced hikers and had shared a map showing their planned route towards Ice Mountain, a peak reaching 13,958 feet.
They had reportedly told friends they intended to return from the trip on October 24 if conditions did not feel safe. If they continued towards their planned destination, they were expected to return on Sunday.
At one stage, rescuers remained hopeful that the young men had found shelter somewhere in the mountains and were waiting to be located.
Sheriff Pays Tribute to the Two Students
Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich expressed his condolences to the families and friends of both students, while praising the efforts of the search teams.
“Our hearts ache for Kaden and Jackson’s family and friends. We are very proud of our team’s efforts to find them before this weekend’s coming storm,” he said.
Although the discovery brought devastating news, Rohrich said it also allowed the families to begin finding some closure.
“Although this is a gut punch, our prayers were answered that we would find Kaden and Jackson, allowing some closure for the family,” he added.
Authorities Await Autopsy Results
Investigators have said they do not suspect foul play in the deaths. However, they are withholding any theories about what happened until further examinations can be completed.
The Chaffee County Coroner’s Office is expected to assist with the investigation, including the process of determining the cause of death.
For now, the circumstances surrounding the final hours of Matsuda and Donlon’s hike remain unclear.
The discovery of their bodies has ended the search, but their families and friends are left mourning the loss of two young men whose planned mountain adventure ended in tragedy.