2 college students found dead after snowstorm during Colorado mountain hike

Two Colorado college students were found dead after being reported missing after setting out for a weekend climb after getting caught in a heavy snowstorm in the Colorado mountains, authorities said.

What we know:

Kaden Matsuda, 19, of Ridgway, Colorado, and Jackson Donlon, 20, of New York, left Colorado Mountain College Leadville on Friday for an ascent of Ice Mountain, a peak that requires technical climbing, according to local authorities. They were expected back Sunday, and college staff reported them missing Monday morning.

Dig deeper:

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office says they were found deceased Wednesday afternoon in a basin of West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County. The two were found together, and no foul play is suspected, but a detailed investigation will be completed into their deaths. 

What they're saying:

"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," said Sheriff Andy Rohrich. "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." 

About 60 search‑and‑rescue volunteers, along with helicopters, drones and dogs, were involved in searching the area when they were reported missing.

The backstory:

A helicopter crew on Tuesday found a tent collapsed under deep snow near a lake northwest of Ice Mountain. Inside were sleeping bags, a stove and clothing, but no sign of the students. Based on the tent’s location, officials believe the pair may have been attempting the 13,597‑foot West Apostle Mountain, which sits near Ice Mountain.

Friends and relatives told investigators both men were experienced hikers and climbers. Matsuda is studying to become a wildland firefighter, and Donlon is training to be a mountain guide, Sheriff Andy Rohrich said in a social media post.

Deputies said the students’ climbing gear was not found in their dorms, vehicle or tent, indicating they likely carried it with them for the ascent.

Rohrich said the men appeared well-prepared but were overtaken by a storm that dropped more than a foot of snow Saturday. "Sometimes mother nature throws you a curveball," he said.

The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Associated Press and the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office. This story was reported from Orlando.