Two college students who went missing during a mountain hike in Colorado have tragically been found dead.
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Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, were discovered near each other on West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County on Wednesday, October 28.
Authorities located their bodies in a mountain basin at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time following an extensive search operation.
Two College Students Found Dead After Going Missing on Hike
Matsuda and Donlon, both students at Colorado Mountain College, were reported missing on October 26. It was three days after leaving campus for a hiking trip.
Concerns grew when the pair failed to return and lost contact with family and friends. That prompted local deputies and rescue teams to search the mountainous terrain.
Search crews initially discovered the students' snow-covered tent before locating their bodies close to each other.
Rescuers used helicopters and drones to search the remote area, where difficult terrain and limited accessibility complicated their efforts.
The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office confirmed that investigators have not identified any suspicious circumstances surrounding their deaths.
"Foul play is not suspected, and we will not offer theories as to what may have happened until an autopsy can be completed," The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office said.
Authorities described Matsuda and Donlon as "experienced hikers" who had shared their planned route with a friend.
Before departing, the pair reportedly sent "a text with a map plot" showing their intended destination.
Colorado Mountain College Mourns Deaths of Two Students
Officials said the students "should have had appropriate clothing" for the conditions they encountered during their hike.
Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich expressed his condolences to the families while praising the search teams involved in the recovery operation.
"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," Rohrich said.
"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."
Colorado Mountain College also released a statement following confirmation of the students' deaths, describing the school community as "devastated" by the news.
"Our hearts are with their families, friends, classmates, faculty and everyone who knew and cared about them," the statement reads.
"Our focus tonight is on supporting those closest to Kaden and Jackson and making sure our Leadville students, faculty and staff have the emotional support they need in the difficult days ahead."
"We are extraordinarily grateful to the search and rescue professionals and volunteers who devoted themselves to finding Kaden and Jackson."
