25-Year-Old Hunters Found Dead in Southern Colorado Were Killed by Lightning, Coroner Says

Two hunters found dead in Colorado were killed by lightning, coroner confirms

In a tragic turn of events, officials in Colorado have confirmed that two experienced hunters, Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25 years old, were killed by a lightning strike. The preliminary findings, shared by Conejos County Coroner Richard Martin, indicate that the two men died as a result of being struck by lightning. Martin described their injuries as consistent with “a pretty intense electrical jolt,” noting burnt marks and slightly singed hair on their bodies.

The friends had set out on a hunting trip in the Rio Grande National Forest in southern Colorado but went missing prompting a “massive search” involving air and ground teams, dog units, drones, and local volunteers. Their disappearance near the Colorado-New Mexico border sparked concerns, especially as heavy rain and severe weather conditions prevailed in the area.

Both experienced outdoorsmen, Porter and Stasko were last heard from on September 11 when Porter shared his location with his fiancée using a satellite device. Concern grew when they failed to check in as scheduled, leading sheriff’s deputies to the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead on September 13, where their vehicle was found but no sign of the hunters.

Despite extensive search efforts, it was not until September 18 that their bodies were discovered. Although there were no visible injuries or signs of foul play on the bodies, the coroner confirmed that the cause of death was a lightning strike. The full autopsy results are expected to be released in approximately eight weeks.

Bridget Murphy, Porter’s fiancée, remembered the two men as well-prepared outdoorsmen, highlighting the unpredictability of survival scenarios in the wilderness. Murphy’s hopes of their safe return were shattered when their bodies were located, bringing a sombre end to the search and rescue efforts.

The recovery of Porter and Stasko’s bodies was confirmed by Andrew Porter’s aunt, Lynne Runkle, who shared the devastating update through a GoFundMe page that had been set up to support search and rescue operations. The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office also acknowledged the recovery efforts and expressed gratitude for the community’s support throughout the search mission.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous conditions that can arise during outdoor activities, even for seasoned individuals like Porter and Stasko. The heartbreaking loss of these two young hunters has left their loved ones and the community in mourning, underlining the importance of safety measures and awareness when embarking on outdoor adventures.