Chaffee County hikers Matsuda and Donlon found dead after multi-day search

Key points

• Bodies of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon were discovered at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday in a basin of West Apostle Mountain.
• The men, students at Colorado Mountain College Leadville, had planned to hike Ice Mountain, a technical route, over the weekend.
• A collapsed tent containing their gear was found near Lake Ann on Tuesday, but the men were not located at that time.
• Approximately 60 searchers utilized helicopters, drones, and search dogs in an effort to locate the hikers before worsening weather.
• Investigators do not suspect foul play; the cause and manner of death will be determined by an autopsy.

Background

The incident occurred in Chaffee County, Colorado, where the students had departed from the Colorado Mountain College Leadville campus. Matsuda was studying to be a wildland firefighter, and Donlon was training to be a mountain guide. The search began after the college reported the students missing on Monday, October 26, following their failure to return from a Friday departure. The area experienced significant snowfall, with reports of one to two feet of snow on Ice Mountain and additional accumulation in surrounding basins. This follows a pattern of high-profile missing hiker cases in the region, including the recent recovery of a University of Maryland student after a six-day search, though this case involved fatal outcomes in a more technical alpine environment.

How outlets are covering it

KKTV and CBS News confirmed the discovery of the bodies on Wednesday afternoon, emphasizing the relief of finding the students before a predicted storm. The Denver Post and ABC News provided earlier context on the search efforts, highlighting the discovery of the collapsed tent near Lake Ann on Tuesday and the challenging conditions faced by search teams. All sources agreed on the identities of the victims and the involvement of Colorado Mountain College. While ABC News and The Denver Post initially expressed optimism that the hikers might be alive, the final confirmation of their deaths by KKTV and CBS News marked the conclusion of the search. The sheriff's office, cited across all outlets, maintained that the students were experienced and well-equipped, though the technical nature of Ice Mountain and severe weather likely contributed to the outcome.

Why it matters

The case underscores the extreme dangers of technical climbs in Colorado's Rocky Mountains during early winter conditions. It highlights the critical role of search and rescue teams in navigating hazardous terrain and the importance of accurate reporting on missing persons. The tragedy also serves as a reminder of the risks associated with high-altitude hiking, even for experienced individuals, and the impact of weather on search operations and outcomes.

What to watch

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause and manner of death. Colorado Mountain College will continue to provide emotional support to students, faculty, and staff. Authorities will likely review the circumstances surrounding the hike to assess if any safety protocols were followed or if further investigation is needed, though no foul play is suspected.