Two Colorado Mountain College hikers were found dead Wednesday afternoon in a basin of West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County, after a search that began when they did not return from a weekend plan near Ice Mountain, Colorado. Sheriff Andy Rohrich said Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon were located around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The sheriff said investigators do not suspect foul play. The exact cause and manner of death will be determined by autopsy, leaving the search team with an answer about where the students were found but not yet why they died.
Colorado Mountain College and Chaffee County
Colorado Mountain College contacted authorities Monday morning after the students failed to return. Matsuda and Donlon had planned to camp near Ice Mountain and attempt a climb over the weekend, according to Rohrich. Deputies later found the students’ vehicle at a nearby trailhead, which helped narrow the search area.
A helicopter later spotted their tent, which had collapsed under heavy snow, in a basin below the peaks. That discovery led investigators to expand the search around nearby West Apostle Peak. About 60 searchers worked in the area using helicopters, drones, search dogs and beacon technology.
Flight for Life and weather
Flight for Life had been trying to locate an avalanche beacon that Jackson typically carries. Officials also brought in search dogs to use scent articles from the tent, a step that can help teams work when snow and terrain limit direct access.
Several feet of snow, icy conditions and hazardous terrain made it too dangerous for teams to reach some areas on foot. More winter weather expected later in the week could have grounded aircraft, limited drone operations and covered potential clues with additional snow.
Rohrich said after the hikers were found, “Our heart aches for Kaden and Jackson’s family and friends” and “We are very proud of our team’s efforts to find them before this weekend’s coming storm.” Colorado Mountain College said, “We are devastated by the loss of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon, two members of our Colorado Mountain College community.” The search ended before the weather could close off more of the basin, but the autopsy now becomes the step that may answer what happened to Matsuda and Donlon.
