Tragic Outcome for Colorado College Hikers
Two college students embarked on a hike in Colorado and did not return. Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, were found deceased after several days. Their bodies were discovered in a mountain basin on West Apostle Mountain, according to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.
Matsuda, from Ridgway, Colorado, and Donlon, from Queensbury, New York, attended Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus. They left the campus to hike near Ice Mountain on Friday, October 23.
The students were reported missing by college staff on Monday. Unfortunately, their bodies were located later that week on Wednesday. The sheriff’s office has stated that they do not suspect foul play.
Their bodies were found near each other, indicating they were together at the time of their demise.
Search and rescue operations involved 60 volunteers from six counties who navigated treacherous terrain and poor weather conditions. Deputies developed a timeline of the hikers’ journey:
- Friday, Oct. 23: Matsuda and Donlon left campus for Chaffee County during rainy weather.
- Saturday, Oct. 24: The students planned to return if conditions worsened. A snowstorm in the afternoon created road hazards.
- Sunday, Oct. 25: Scheduled return day if they reached the summit.
- Monday, Oct. 26: Missing report filed by CMC; Matsuda’s car found near Winfield trailhead.
- Tuesday, Oct. 27: A collapsed tent was sighted from the air near Lake Ann.
- Wednesday, Oct. 28: The search teams found Matsuda and Donlon deceased.
Sheriff Andy Rohrich expressed condolences, stating, “Our hearts ache for the families. While it’s devastating, finding the students brings some closure.” He also praised the search team’s efforts amidst an impending storm.
Their remains have been taken to the Chaffee County Coroner for autopsies. Investigations continue to uncover more about their tragic fate.