Two missing Colorado Mountain College students who disappeared during a weekend mountain trip have been found dead in a basin of West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County, according to local authorities. Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich announced that search crews located Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon following a multi-day search operation. Investigators stated that foul play is not suspected, though the official cause and manner of death will be determined by autopsies. The intensive search effort involved approximately 60 personnel utilizing helicopters, drones, search dogs, and beacon technology to navigate treacherous conditions. Authorities stated that Matsuda and Donlon had planned to camp near Ice Mountain and attempt a climb over the weekend. Colorado Mountain College contacted law enforcement on Monday morning after the students failed to return from their trip, prompting Chaffee County Search and Rescue to mobilize. Investigators initially located the students’ vehicle at a nearby trailhead before a helicopter spotted their tent collapsed under heavy snow in a basin below the peaks. That discovery prompted search teams to concentrate their efforts around nearby West Apostle Peak. Search dogs were brought in utilizing scent articles gathered from the tent to help determine the route the students may have traveled. Specialized mountain rescue faculty members from Colorado Mountain College also assisted professional search teams on the ground. Crews faced severe operational challenges as they raced against worsening weather conditions. Deep snow accumulation, icy terrain, and hazardous slopes restricted foot access in certain areas. Flight for Life units attempted to locate an avalanche beacon typically carried by Donlon, though those efforts were unsuccessful prior to the conclusion of the search. Sheriff Rohrich noted prior to the discovery that additional incoming winter storms threatened to ground aircraft, halt drone operations, and bury potential clues beneath fresh snow. Following the conclusion of the search, Sheriff Rohrich expressed condolences, stating that hearts ache for the families and friends of Matsuda and Donlon while commending the dedication of the search teams who worked to locate the men ahead of the incoming weekend storm. Colorado Mountain College issued a statement thanking search and rescue professionals and volunteers while emphasizing its commitment to providing emotional support to students, faculty, and staff in Leadville during the difficult period ahead.
