Two Missing Hunters Found Dead in Colorado Wilderness
Authorities confirmed that two hunters, who went missing in the rugged terrain of southern Colorado during an elk hunting trip, have been found dead. Their disappearance occurred a week ago, with last known contact on September 11.
The Colorado Search and Rescue Team was deployed to search for Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25, after they were reported missing. An emotional update revealed, “It is with a wounded heart that I share this news. Andrew and Ian are both gone. Their bodies were discovered today. We will provide further details tomorrow.”
Porter and Stasko’s remains were located near the Rio delo Spino Trailhead, roughly two miles from where they went missing, as stated by the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office.
The bodies exhibited no visible signs of trauma, but the official cause of death is still pending investigation.
Porter resided in Asheville, North Carolina, while Stasko was from Salt Lake City, Utah. They were hunting in Game Management Unit 81, a remote area that extends toward the New Mexico border. Reports suggest that a severe storm swept through the region last Thursday, which may have affected their situation.
Porter had last communicated his location via a satellite device to his fiancée, Bridget Murphy, shortly after 3 PM on September 11. His final ping came from his vehicle close to the trailhead.
In an interview before the discovery of their bodies, Murphy speculated they may have intended to return to Stasko’s vehicle to change into dry clothes, based on hunting gear that had been found by investigators.
She described both men as highly skilled outdoorsmen, noting they’d built shelters in the woods since childhood. On the Wednesday prior to their discovery, there were reports of a man seen near a vehicle at Spruce Hall Trailhead.
Apparently, Porter and Stasko mentioned spotting a bull moose and had set out to track it.
Murphy shared her hopes on Facebook, expressing, “We are holding onto another night and morning. I believe they were safe before the storm.”
The following day, extensive ground and air searches were initiated, involving multiple rescue teams.
In a message before the search was launched, Murphy requested prayers for the pair, hoping for their safe return.
