Chaffee County, Colorado — The search for two college students who disappeared during a mountain hike in Colorado has ended in tragedy after rescue crews found both young men dead in a remote mountain basin. Authorities confirmed that Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, were located on West Apostle Mountain on Wednesday, October 28.
The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office said the students were discovered at approximately 3:30 p.m. in a basin of West Apostle Mountain. The two Colorado Mountain College students were found near each other after several days of search and rescue operations in challenging mountain conditions.
Authorities have not determined what caused their deaths, and an autopsy is expected to help investigators establish what happened.
Missing Colorado College Students Found Dead
The sheriff’s office identified the two students as Kaden Matsuda, 19, of Ridgway, Colorado, and Jackson Donlon, 20, of New York.
According to authorities, the pair had left campus on October 23 for a hike in the Ice Mountain area. They were reported missing on October 26 after they failed to return and their loved ones could no longer reach them.
During the initial investigation, deputies searched the area near the trailhead and located Matsuda’s vehicle. The discovery helped direct attention toward the surrounding mountain terrain as search teams began looking for the missing hikers.
In its announcement confirming their deaths, the sheriff’s office said foul play was not suspected.
“Foul play is not suspected, and we will not offer theories as to what may have happened until an autopsy can be completed,” the department said.
Investigators have not released a confirmed explanation for the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Collapsed Tent Discovered Covered in Snow
One of the significant developments during the search came on October 27, when rescue crews located the students’ tent.
According to the sheriff’s office, the tent had collapsed and was covered in snow. Inside, searchers found sleeping bags, a stove and some clothing, but the two students were not there.
The discovery raised further questions about where Matsuda and Donlon had gone after leaving their campsite.
Authorities had previously described the pair as experienced hikers who should have had appropriate clothing for the trip. They had also reportedly sent a friend a text message containing a map plot of their intended destination.
However, the conditions in the mountains presented serious challenges for anyone attempting the route.
Ice Mountain Conditions Complicated Search Efforts
The sheriff’s office previously described Ice Mountain as a highly technical climb that is recommended only for very experienced hikers, even when conditions are dry.
During the search, crews observed a fresh blanket of snow across the area, making an already difficult mountain environment more challenging.
Helicopters and drones were among the resources used to search the surrounding terrain. Despite those efforts, the students could not initially be located.
Authorities also discussed the lack of activity on the students’ phones for approximately 48 hours. However, investigators said that this was not necessarily unusual because cellular service in the remote area was almost nonexistent. The students could also have switched off their phones to preserve battery power.
The search continued as rescue teams worked against difficult weather conditions and the possibility of an approaching storm.
Sheriff Shares Emotional Message After Discovery
Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich expressed condolences to the families and friends of both students following the discovery.
“Our heart aches 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,” Rohrich said.
He also acknowledged the emotional impact of the outcome while emphasizing the importance of giving their loved ones privacy.
“Although this is a gut punch, our prayers were answered that we would find Kaden and Jackson, allowing some closure for the family,” he continued.
The sheriff asked the public to respect the families and friends as they begin grieving their loss.
Colorado Mountain College Mourns Two Students
Colorado Mountain College had been involved in supporting the search operation and assisting the families and campus community.
Before the students were found, the college confirmed that several faculty members with specialized training in mountain travel and rescue were helping authorities in the field.
Following confirmation of their deaths, the college released a statement expressing its devastation.
“We are devastated by the loss of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon, two members of our Colorado Mountain College community.”
The school also expressed sympathy for their families, classmates, faculty members and everyone who knew them.
Its statement added that the immediate focus was on supporting those closest to the students and ensuring that the Leadville campus community had access to emotional support during the difficult days ahead.
30-Year-Old Woman Struck and Killed by NYC Sanitation Truck at Brooklyn Intersection
The college also thanked the professional search and rescue teams and volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts to locating the missing students.
Investigation Continues as Families Mourn
Although both students have now been located, important questions remain unanswered about what happened during their hike.
Authorities have not released a confirmed cause of death and are waiting for an autopsy before offering further explanations. The discovery of the collapsed tent, the snow-covered mountain conditions and the remote location are among the details that form part of the investigation.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the families, friends and college community as they cope with the loss of two young students.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking Colorado hiking tragedy? Share your condolences and messages of support for the families and friends of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon in the comments below.
