CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colorado | Two college students who disappeared during a hiking trip in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains have been found dead following an extensive search involving dozens of rescue workers, helicopters, drones and search dogs.
Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, were discovered Wednesday afternoon, October 28, 2026, in a basin on West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County, according to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.
The discovery brought an end to several days of searching after the young men failed to return from their planned outdoor trip. Their deaths have left families, friends and the Colorado Mountain College community grieving.
What Happened to the Missing Colorado College Students?
According to authorities, Matsuda and Donlon left the Colorado Mountain College Leadville campus on Friday, October 23, intending to hike Ice Mountain, a peak rising nearly 14,000 feet above sea level.
They were expected to return by Sunday. When they failed to come back, college staff reported them missing to authorities on Monday morning, October 26.
Deputies subsequently located Matsuda’s vehicle near the trailhead. Search teams also discovered the students’ tent near Lake Ann, with sleeping bags, clothing and cooking equipment inside.
Investigators later considered the possibility that the pair had changed their planned destination and headed toward West Apostle Mountain.
Extensive Search Operation
The search involved approximately 60 rescue personnel from several Colorado counties. Helicopters, drones, trained dogs and specialist search teams were deployed to examine difficult mountain terrain.
Weather conditions complicated the operation. Heavy snowfall had affected the area, with authorities reporting that Ice Mountain received approximately one to two feet of snow.
The sheriff’s office said the two men were found near each other in a basin on West Apostle Mountain at approximately 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Their bodies were subsequently recovered by helicopter after difficult weather conditions delayed the operation. <Cite refs={[“turn730594news19″,”turn730594search2”]}/>
Cause of Death Under Investigation
The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office said foul play was not suspected. However, authorities declined to speculate about what happened, explaining that autopsies would be necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
A detailed investigation is being conducted in coordination with the Chaffee County Coroner’s Office. <Cite refs={[“turn730594search1″,”turn730594news9”]}/>
Colorado Mountain College Mourns Students
Both men attended Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus and shared a passion for outdoor activities.
Matsuda was studying to become a wildland firefighter, while Donlon was pursuing outdoor recreation leadership and had ambitions connected to mountain guiding.
The college expressed deep sadness over their deaths and offered support to students, faculty members and staff affected by the tragedy.
As investigations continue, their families and the wider college community are remembering two young men whose lives and ambitions were cut short during a mountain adventure.
Cause of death: Official causes have not been established publicly. Authorities are awaiting autopsy findings.