Missing Hikers Found Dead in Colorado Mountain Search

Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich announced that two missing hikers, Kaden Mats, and Jackson Donlon, were located dead in a basin of West Apostle Mountain around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The sheriff’s office stated that the students had gone missing after a weekend mountain trip and were last seen planning to camp near Ice Mountain. Their vehicle was found at a nearby trailhead, leading to the search.

The search and rescue effort spanned multiple days, with crews working in dangerous conditions, including several feet of snow, icy terrain, and hazardous elevation. Helicopters, drones, search dogs, and beacon technology were used to locate the students.

Rohrich noted that additional snow and worsening weather could soon limit the search, but teams continued to work as hard as possible until conditions made it impossible. The college confirmed it contacted authorities Monday after the students failed to return.

Colorado Mountain College expressed devastation over the loss of its students, thanking search and rescue teams for their efforts. The college also mentioned that faculty with specialized mountain travel and rescue training assisted in the search.

The exact cause and manner of the men’s deaths will be determined by autopsy. Investigators have not ruled out any possibilities, though foul play is not suspected at this time.