Bodies of Missing Colorado Hikers Recovered After Extensive Search
Students from Colorado Mountain College found in West Apostle Mountain basin, climbing gear absent from site.
Carla Rooney
The bodies of two college students missing since last week were recovered Wednesday afternoon.
College staff reported the students missing Monday morning. This initiated a massive search involving approximately 60 responders, search dogs, drones, and helicopters across a technical climbing area blanketed by two feet of snow, where cell service was limited.
Matsuda's vehicle was located at the Mt. Huron trailhead. Search teams then discovered their snow-covered tent, with their bodies found approximately four miles further into the treacherous terrain.
Authorities indicated that The tent, containing sleeping bags, a stove, and clothing, lay collapsed under snow near a lake northwest of Ice Mountain. Trash inside the tent indicated the hikers had eaten before starting their ascent.
The tent, containing sleeping bags, a stove, and clothing, lay collapsed under snow near a lake northwest of Ice Mountain. Trash inside the tent indicated the hikers had eaten before starting their ascent.
Authorities stated the causes of death are under investigation; foul play is not suspected. Officials will not offer theories on what may have happened until autopsies are completed.
Their climbing equipment was not found in their dorms, vehicle, or tent. This suggests they left their tent prepared for a more technical climb.
Matsuda hailed from Ridgway, Colorado; Donlon was from New York.