The search for two missing Colorado Mountain College students ended in tragedy on October 28, 2026, when rescuers located Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, dead on West Apostle Mountain in Colorado. The pair had left for a mountain trip several days earlier and failed to return as expected, prompting a search that continued through severe winter weather.
Matsuda, from Ridgway, Colorado, and Donlon, who was from New York, attended the college’s Leadville campus. Their deaths have brought sadness to the college community and to the families and friends waiting for answers about what happened during their trip.
How the Two Students Went Missing
The students left campus on Friday, October 23, planning a mountain outing and were expected back by Sunday. When they did not return, college staff reported them missing on Monday, October 26.
Investigators learned that the pair had planned to hike Ice Mountain in Chaffee County, a demanding peak that requires careful preparation. Search efforts were directed toward the surrounding mountain area after deputies located Matsuda’s vehicle near the Mount Huron trailhead.
The discovery helped search teams establish a starting point as they worked to determine the hikers’ whereabouts.
Heavy Snow Made the Search More Difficult
Snowfall and hazardous conditions complicated the operation. On Tuesday, rescuers found a tent buried beneath snow near a lake. Sleeping bags, clothing, a stove, and other camping equipment were discovered at the site, but the students were not there.
The search involved approximately 60 search-and-rescue volunteers, according to the supplied report. Helicopters, drones, search dogs, and aircraft equipped with infrared technology were also used as teams expanded their efforts toward West Apostle Mountain.
The operation continued as rescuers faced difficult terrain and the possibility of further deteriorating weather.
Search Teams Locate the Hikers
On Wednesday, October 28, at approximately 3:30 p.m., searchers found Matsuda and Donlon near one another in a basin on West Apostle Mountain. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the information provided.
Authorities had not established a confirmed cause or manner of death in reports available on October 29. Officials reportedly did not suspect foul play, while further conclusions were expected to depend on autopsies and the investigation involving the Chaffee County Coroner’s Office.
Although severe winter weather affected the search area, it should not be described as the confirmed medical cause of either student’s death without an official finding.
Two Young Men With Outdoor Career Goals
Matsuda was pursuing a future as a wildland firefighter, while Donlon was training to become a mountain guide. The supplied report describes both students as experienced hikers and climbers who shared a strong interest in the outdoors.
Their professional ambitions reflected a commitment to developing skills connected to the mountains and outdoor environments. Their deaths have cut short those plans and left their families, classmates, and friends grieving.
Colorado Mountain College expressed sorrow over the loss and said it was focused on supporting the students’ families, friends, classmates, faculty, and staff. Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich also offered condolences and asked the public to respect the families’ privacy.
Cause of Death and Memorial Information
As of October 29, 2026, the cause and manner of death for both students remained pending, according to the supplied report. The investigation was expected to include autopsies and work with the county coroner.
No confirmed funeral or memorial service arrangements were included in the information provided. Further announcements should be confirmed through the students’ families or official college communications.
The deaths of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon have brought a heartbreaking end to the search for two young men with shared interests and plans for their futures. As their loved ones mourn, the investigation remains important to understanding the circumstances surrounding their final days.
Obituary: Kaden Matsuda, 19, of Ridgway, Colorado, and Jackson Donlon, 20, from New York, were Colorado Mountain College students who were found dead on West Apostle Mountain on October 28, 2026, according to the supplied report.
Cause of Death: Not confirmed in the information available as of October 29, 2026. Autopsies and an investigation involving the Chaffee County Coroner’s Office were reportedly pending. Severe weather was present but had not been established as the medical cause of death.
Funeral Arrangements: No confirmed funeral or memorial service details were included in the supplied material. Readers should look for announcements from the families or Colorado Mountain College.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the supplied report. Details about the search, recovery, and investigation should be checked against official statements from the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado Mountain College. The cause of death for either student has not been inferred.