The search for two college students, Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon, who went missing during a hiking trip in Colorado, has concluded tragically. Authorities reported that the bodies of the 19-year-old Matsuda, from Ridgway, and 20-year-old Donlon, from New York, were discovered near one another on West Apostle Mountain on the afternoon of 28 October.
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The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office announced that search teams located the students in a snow-filled basin while looking for them after they had not returned from their hike on Ice Mountain. Sheriff Andy Rohrich expressed deep sorrow for the families, stating, “Our heart aches for Kaden and Jackson’s family and friends.” He praised the tireless efforts of the search teams who worked to recover the students before an impending storm.
The pair had graduated from Colorado Mountain College and were described as “experienced hikers.” Their disappearance raised alarm after they failed to return on 26 October, prompting a search when they lost contact with friends and family. A search for their vehicle, eventually located at the trailhead, confirmed that they had set out for their hike as planned.
Initial investigations revealed that Matsuda and Donlon had sent a text message to a friend with a map indicating their intended route. Despite their experience, the sheriff’s office warned that Ice Mountain is considered a technical climb, even under ideal conditions. The recent snowfall posed additional challenges, and the area’s poor mobile service potentially hindered attempts to reach safety.
Search efforts were extensive, employing helicopters and drones to cover the challenging terrain. However, activity from the students’ phones ceased for nearly 48 hours, a situation the authorities did not consider overly alarming due to the region’s limited service and the possibility that they turned off their devices to conserve battery life.
On 27 October, the search teams discovered a collapsed tent buried in snow, containing sleeping bags, a stove, and some clothing. However, there was no sign of Matsuda or Donlon at the site. As the search progressed, Colorado Mountain College announced that it would collaborate with law enforcement to provide support, including personnel with expertise in mountain travel and rescue.
Following the confirmation of the students’ deaths, the college community was left in shock. A spokesperson stated, “We are devastated by the loss of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon, two members of our Colorado Mountain College community.” The institution pledged to support the grieving families and friends, highlighting the importance of emotional care for students and staff during this challenging time.
The statement from Colorado Mountain College underscored the gratitude the community felt towards the search and rescue teams and volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts in the search. In a context where outdoor activities can pose significant risks, the tragic outcome of this hiking expedition serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in mountainous terrain, especially under challenging weather conditions.
As the families mourn their loss, there is a call for respect and privacy during this painful period. The sheriff’s office has indicated that until an autopsy is carried out, it will refrain from speculating on the circumstances surrounding the students’ deaths. The community continues to honour the memory of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon, remembering them as individuals whose lives were cut short far too soon.