Two Colorado college students who disappeared during a mountain hike were found dead several days later in a basin on West Apostle Mountain. Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, had left Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus on October 23. Their bodies were located on October 28 after a major search involving volunteers from six counties. Investigators said foul play was not suspected, and the circumstances of the deaths remain under investigation.
| 1) | Students leave campus for a mountain hike |
| 2) | Search begins after the planned return |
| 3) | Rescuers face snow and difficult terrain |
| 4) | Bodies found near West Apostle Mountain |
| 5) | Investigation and autopsies continue |
Students leave campus for a mountain hike
Kaden Matsuda, of Ridgway, Colorado, and Jackson Donlon, of Queensbury, New York, were students at Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus. The two men left campus on Friday, October 23, for a hike near Ice Mountain in Chaffee County.
The planned trip took place during rainy weather. Authorities later reconstructed a possible timeline showing that the pair expected to return on October 24 if conditions became poor, or on October 25 if they continued toward the summit. The route included challenging mountain terrain and changing weather conditions.
Search begins after the planned return
College staff officially reported the students missing on Monday, October 26, after they failed to return or make contact. Deputies located Kaden Matsuda’s vehicle at a trailhead near Winfield, Colorado, providing investigators with a likely starting point for the search.
The search expanded across the surrounding mountain area. On Tuesday, October 27, aerial crews spotted what appeared to be the students’ collapsed tent near Lake Ann. That discovery helped direct ground teams toward the area where the men were ultimately found.
Rescuers face snow and difficult terrain
About 60 search and rescue volunteers from six counties participated in the operation. Crews traveled on foot along difficult trails while working in deteriorating weather, including a heavy snowstorm that struck between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24.
The storm created severe local road hazards and made access to the mountain more difficult. Deputies and rescuers continued the effort because the students had not returned and weather conditions were expected to worsen before the weekend.
Bodies found near West Apostle Mountain
On Wednesday, October 28, deputies found the bodies of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon in a basin on West Apostle Mountain. The men were located near one another, according to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said foul play was not suspected. The discovery ended the search but did not immediately establish how the students died. Their remains were transferred for further examination.
“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.”
Investigation and autopsies continue
The remains were sent to the Chaffee County Coroner’s Office for autopsies. The examinations are expected to assist investigators in determining the cause and manner of death, although no further findings were provided.
Sheriff Andy Rohrich said the recovery would provide some closure for the families and friends of the students. The investigation remains active, while Colorado Mountain College has been contacted for comment about the deaths.
| 1 | The missing students were Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20. |
| 2 | They left Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus on October 23. |
| 3 | Search teams from six counties worked through difficult terrain and worsening weather. |
| 4 | Their bodies were found on October 28 in a basin on West Apostle Mountain. |
| 5 | Autopsies are planned, and foul play is not suspected. |
Summary
The deaths of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon followed a mountain hike that began in rainy conditions and coincided with heavy snow and hazardous terrain. A coordinated search located the students four days after they were reported missing. Authorities have not announced the cause of death, and the coroner’s examination will inform the continuing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the students who died?
Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, were students at Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus.
When and where were they found?
Deputies found their bodies on Wednesday, October 28, in a basin on West Apostle Mountain in Colorado.
What is known about the investigation?
Authorities said foul play was not suspected. The remains were sent to the Chaffee County Coroner’s Office for autopsies, and the investigation continues.
