Colorado Mountain College students Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, were found dead near West Apostle Mountain after a challenging search in severe winter conditions. Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon Found Dead in Colorado The search for missing Colorado hikers Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon ended in tragedy on October 28, 2026, when authorities found both young men deceased in a basin near West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County, Colorado. The two students had left the Colorado Mountain College campus in Leadville on October 23 for a planned hiking trip. Their disappearance prompted a multi-day search involving law enforcement, rescue professionals and volunteers. Matsuda, 19, was from Ridgway, Colorado, while Donlon, 20, was from New York. Friends and family told authorities that the pair planned to hike Ice Mountain and expected to return over the weekend. When they failed to come back, the college contacted authorities, and deputies located Matsuda’s vehicle near the Mount Huron trailhead. Search Efforts Challenged by Snow and Mountain Terrain Rescue teams searched the remote area using helicopters, drones, infrared-equipped aircraft, search dogs and ground crews. Investigators later found the hikers’ tent near Lake Ann, collapsed under the weight of snow. Sleeping bags, a stove and clothing were reportedly inside, but the men were not there. Heavy snowfall, icy terrain and worsening weather complicated the search. Cause of Death and Investigation The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office said foul play was not suspected. Officials have not announced the final causes or manners of death; autopsies and further investigation are expected to help establish what happened. The circumstances should not be assumed before authorities release their findings. Remembering Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon Matsuda was studying to become a wildland firefighter, while Donlon was pursuing training to become a mountain guide. Their deaths have deeply affected the Colorado Mountain College community, with college officials expressing condolences to their families, friends, classmates and faculty. Their loved ones are now facing an immeasurable loss. Funeral and memorial arrangements have not been confirmed in the sources reviewed. Key Information Kaden Matsuda: 19, from Ridgway, Colorado Jackson Donlon: 20, from New York College: Colorado Mountain College, Leadville campus Location found: Basin near West Apostle Mountain, Chaffee County, Colorado Date found: October 28, 2026 Cause of death: Not yet officially established in the cited reports Foul play: Not suspected by authorities Funeral arrangements: Not confirmed Disclaimer: This article is based on published news reports and statements attributed to authorities. The final causes and manners of death remain pending official findings. Funeral details should be confirmed through verified family announcements or funeral-home notices. Share this... Facebook Pinterest Twitter Linkedin Threads Post navigation Stephanie Strock Obituary: 20-Year-Old Pregnant Woman Found Dead in Heavener, Oklahoma Terri Schiavo Obituary: Remembering the Florida Woman Whose Case Sparked a National Right-to-Die Debate