The Fatal Detour Beneath West Apostle Mountain
Two Colorado college students who left campus for a weekend hike on a nearly 14,000-foot peak were found dead Wednesday after encountering a heavy snowstorm, according to authorities and AP News reported.
Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, set out last Friday from Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus for a planned weekend trip up Ice Mountain, which requires technical climbing, according to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office. College staff reported them missing on Monday morning after the students failed to return by Sunday.
A Massive Search Effort Across Chaffee County
Approximately 60 search and rescue volunteers, aided by helicopters, drones, and dogs, deployed to find the missing climbers.
On Tuesday, a helicopter crew discovered a tent collapsed under snow with sleeping bags, a stove, and clothing near a lake northwest of Ice Mountain, though the students were not inside.
Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich stated that the tent’s location indicated the pair had altered their route and were aiming for the 13,597-foot West Apostle Mountain instead.
High Winds Delay Recovery in the Basin
Rescuers found the bodies of Matsuda and Donlon on Wednesday afternoon in a basin of West Apostle Mountain.
Sheriff Rohrich noted that the men’s bodies remained in the basin as officials awaited calmer winds to allow a helicopter crew to retrieve them safely.
Outdoor Enthusiasts with Promising Futures
Both students were recognized as outdoor enthusiasts pursuing careers in the recreation industry.
Matsuda, of Ridgway, Colorado, was studying to become a wildland firefighter. Donlon, of Queensbury, New York, was studying outdoor recreation leadership and was described by the upstate New York skiing group Ski or Die NY as one of the region’s most ambitious skiers.
Ben Cairns, the campus dean, issued a written statement honoring the students. They came here to learn, to explore and to build their futures,
Cairns said. Their lives were full of promise, and their loss is felt deeply by the students, faculty and staff who knew them.
Sudden Storm Overpowers Backcountry Preparedness
Weather conditions deteriorated rapidly during the trip. While conditions were rainy when the students departed on Friday, a severe storm struck the area Saturday afternoon, dropping up to two feet of snow.
Sheriff Rohrich credited the students for their preparedness, stating that they utilized nearly all recommended backcountry safety measures. We are proud of these young men concerning how prepared they were, but sometimes mother nature throws you a curveball,
Rohrich said.
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