Tragic Deaths of Colorado College Students
Two college students have been found dead after going missing during a hiking trip in Colorado. Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, were discovered in a mountain basin on West Apostle Mountain, according to information from the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.
The young men, who were students at Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus, set out for a hike near Ice Mountain on Friday, October 23. Matsuda was from Ridgway, Colorado, while Donlon hailed from Queensbury, New York. They were reported missing after their school did not hear from them for several days.
Authorities located their bodies on Wednesday following a report from the college made on Monday. Both men were found close to one another, and officials indicated that there is no suspicion of foul play.
In discussing the rescue efforts, the sheriff’s office noted the challenging conditions faced by search and rescue teams. About 60 volunteers from six counties braved difficult trails and adverse weather as they scoured the mountains for the missing students. It was a massive effort, and considering the circumstances, it’s impressive how these community members came together.
Detailed Timeline of Events
- Friday, Oct. 23: The pair departs campus for Chaffee County, despite rainy conditions.
- Saturday, Oct. 24: Their scheduled return date, altered due to poor conditions. A significant snowstorm struck during the afternoon, leading to severe road hazards.
- Sunday, Oct. 25: Scheduled return day if they aimed for the summit.
- Monday, Oct. 26: CMC staff reports them missing after earlier communication issues. Deputies find Matsuda’s vehicle at a trailhead near Winfield, Colorado.
- Tuesday, Oct. 27: Aerial teams spot their collapsed tent near Lake Ann.
- Wednesday, Oct. 28: Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon are found deceased.
Sheriff Andy Rohrich expressed deep sorrow for the families of the students, emphasizing the team’s determination to find them before another storm hit. It’s heartbreaking, really; a loss like this resonates deeply.
The remains of both students have been transported to the Chaffee County Coroner’s Office for autopsies as the investigation into their deaths continues. This is such a tragic incident that’s likely left many in the community in shock.
