Two young hikers who went missing in Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks area have been found dead, according to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.
Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, were located at approximately 3:30 p.m. on October 28 in a basin of West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County. The sheriff’s office said the two were found near each other.
The discovery followed a search for the missing hikers as rescuers worked to locate them ahead of an approaching weekend storm. Authorities have not determined what happened, and foul play is not suspected.
“We will not offer theories as to what may have happened until an autopsy can be completed. A detailed investigation will be completed in partnership with the Chaffee County Coroner’s Office. The two were found near each other.” – Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Andy Rohrich expressed condolences to the families and friends of both young men, while thanking the search team for its efforts.
“Our heart aches for Kaden and Jackson’s family and friends. We are very proud of our team’s efforts to find them before this weekend’s coming storm. Although this is a gut punch, our prayers were answered that we would find Kaden and Jackson, allowing some closure for the family. We ask that everyone give time and distance to family members and friends as they mourn their loss.“ – Sheriff Andy Rohrich
The announcement was delayed to allow authorities to properly notify family members before releasing the news publicly. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Our deepest condolences are with the friends and family of the deceased at this time.
