2 Experienced Outdoorsmen Reported Missing During Elk Hunting Trip. One Is Months Away from Getting Married

Two Experienced Outdoorsmen Reported Missing During Elk Hunting Trip

Two elk hunters, Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, have been reported missing after failing to return home from a hunting trip in Colorado. Despite search efforts, the two men have not been located. Skip to content

Search efforts are underway for Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, who have been missing for nearly a week. The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead in Colorado’s Rio Grande National Forest after the men were reported overdue while elk hunting. Andrew Porter is from Asheville, N.C., while Ian Stasko hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. They are both 25 years old. The sheriff’s office stated that the men were in the San Juan Wilderness area west of Trujillo Meadows Reservoir when they went missing. They were supposed to check in with their loved ones at a specific time but failed to do so.

A significant search operation was launched when the car driven by the missing men was discovered at the trailhead, but the hunters were not present. Camping gear and backpacks were found in the vehicle, raising concerns due to adverse weather conditions. Authorities have continued their search, with updates indicating that efforts are ongoing. In an interview, Bridget Murphy, Porter’s fiancée, mentioned that the last communication she had with them was on September 11, when Porter shared his location using a satellite device. Severe storms hit the area that same night and persisted through the weekend, complicating search efforts.

Murphy expressed confidence in the men’s survival skills, describing them as experienced and well-prepared outdoorsmen. Despite the challenging circumstances, she remains hopeful and has called for experienced volunteers to join the search. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the search efforts, raising over $60,000 as of the latest update. The community, including local authorities and volunteers, has rallied together to aid in locating Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko.

In such situations, the support and solidarity of the community are crucial. The families and friends of the missing hunters are holding on to hope as the search continues. The wilderness can be unforgiving, especially during adverse weather conditions, but the determination to find the missing men remains unwavering. Everyone involved in the search operation is dedicated to bringing the hunters back safely.

As updates trickle in, the families and search teams are urged to remain vigilant and determined. The case of the missing elk hunters highlights the risks and challenges of outdoor activities, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and safety measures. With each passing day, the hope of a successful resolution grows stronger, drawing attention to the power of community support in times of crisis. The efforts to locate Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko serve as a testament to the resilience and unity of those involved in the search and rescue mission.