Two missing Colorado Mountain College hikers were found dead in a basin of West Apostle Mountain in CHAFFEE COUNTY around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, Sheriff Andy Rohrich said. The search had stretched over days and moved through snow, icy ground and hazardous terrain before the discovery.
Rohrich said investigators do not suspect foul play. The exact cause and manner of death will be determined by autopsy, leaving the search’s final answer to a medical review rather than the scene itself.
Colorado Mountain College response
Colorado Mountain College said it was devastated by the loss of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon. In a statement sent to 11 News, the college said, "We are devastated by the loss of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon, two members of our Colorado Mountain College community."
The college added, "Our hearts are with their families, friends, classmates, faculty and everyone who knew and cared about them." It also said, "Our focus tonight is on supporting those closest to Kaden and Jackson and making sure our Leadville students, faculty and staff have the emotional support they need in the difficult days ahead."
Search around West Apostle Peak
Rohrich said the students planned to camp near Ice Mountain and attempt a climb over the weekend. Colorado Mountain College contacted authorities Monday morning after they failed to return, and deputies later found their vehicle at a nearby trailhead.
A helicopter then spotted their tent, which had collapsed under heavy snow, in a basin below the peaks. That discovery pushed investigators to widen the search around West Apostle Peak, where about 60 searchers worked with helicopters, drones, search dogs and beacon technology.
Weather and access
Flight for Life was trying to locate an avalanche beacon that Jackson typically carries, while several feet of snow made some areas too dangerous to reach on foot. Rohrich said the search teams were working against worsening conditions, and more winter weather was expected later in the week.
For the families and classmates left behind, the immediate next step is the autopsy. It should answer how Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon died, even as the broader search effort has already ended with the worst possible result.
