Hikers Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon were found dead on Wednesday in a basin of West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County, ending a multi-day search after they were originally reported missing on October 23, cbsnews.com reported.
The Fatal Ascent on West Apostle Mountain
The two college students had set out five days earlier with the intention of hiking Ice Mountain, a technical climb accessed via the Mt. Huron trailhead near Winfield. Deputies responding to the trailhead on Monday located Matsuda’s vehicle, prompting intensified search efforts in the rugged alpine terrain before the arrival of a forecasted weekend storm.
Remembering the Colorado Mountain College Students
Matsuda was 19 years old, and Donlon was 20. Both young men attended the Colorado Mountain College Leadville campus.
“We are devastated by the loss of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon, two members of our Colorado Mountain College community,” the college stated in a release. “Our hearts are with their families, friends, classmates, faculty and everyone who knew and cared about them.”
College Prioritizes Emotional Support for Campus Community
The college emphasized that its immediate priority is providing emotional support to students, faculty, and staff at the Leadville campus during the coming days. CMC also noted that it is leaving all further details regarding the recovery operation to the local sheriff’s department.
Sheriff Praises Search Teams After Finding Bodies
Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich expressed gratitude to the search and rescue professionals and volunteers who combed the high-altitude basin.
“Our heart aches for Kaden and Jackson’s family and friends,” Sheriff Rohrich said in a social media update. “We are very proud of our team’s efforts to find them before this weekend’s coming storm. Although this is a gut punch, our prayers were answered that we would find Kaden and Jackson, allowing some closure for the family.”
Authorities Warn About Technical Climbing on Ice Mountain
Authorities have reiterated warnings that climbing Ice Mountain demands advanced mountaineering experience due to its technical nature. The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office has asked the public to give mourning family members and friends time and distance.
