Colorado Mountain College students Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon were found dead on West Apostle Mountain after a difficult search. Authorities had not confirmed their cause of death in reports available October 29, 2026. Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon: A Weekend Hiking Trip Ends in Tragedy Matsuda, 19, of Ridgway, Colorado, and Donlon, 20, from New York, were students at Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus. They left campus on Friday, October 23, 2026, planning a mountain trip and were expected to return by Sunday. When they did not return, college staff reported them missing on Monday, October 26. Authorities learned that the pair intended to hike Ice Mountain, a technically demanding peak in Chaffee County. Deputies later found Matsuda’s vehicle near the Mount Huron trailhead, helping direct the search. Snowstorm Complicates Search Efforts The search was made more difficult by heavy snowfall and dangerous mountain conditions. On Tuesday, rescuers discovered the hikers’ tent collapsed beneath the snow near a lake, with sleeping bags, a stove and clothing inside. The students were not at the campsite. Around 60 search-and-rescue volunteers took part in the operation, supported by helicopters, drones, search dogs and aircraft equipped with infrared technology. Search teams expanded their efforts toward West Apostle Mountain as officials worked against the prospect of worsening weather. On Wednesday, October 28, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the students were found near each other in a basin on West Apostle Mountain. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Remembering Their Goals and Outdoor Passions Matsuda was studying to become a wildland firefighter, while Donlon was training to become a mountain guide. Friends and family described them as experienced hikers and climbers. Their plans reflected a shared interest in the outdoors and ambitions that were still developing. Colorado Mountain College expressed devastation over the loss and said its priority was supporting the students’ families, friends, classmates, faculty and staff. Sheriff Andy Rohrich also offered condolences and asked the public to respect the families’ privacy as they grieve. Cause of Death and Funeral Information As of October 29, 2026, authorities had not confirmed the cause or manner of death for either student. The sheriff’s office said foul play was not suspected and that further conclusions would await autopsies and the investigation conducted with the Chaffee County Coroner’s Office. Although severe winter weather affected the search area, officials had not confirmed it as the medical cause of death. No confirmed funeral or memorial service arrangements were included in the reports reviewed. Key Information Kaden Matsuda: 19, from Ridgway, Colorado Jackson Donlon: 20, from New York College: Colorado Mountain College, Leadville campus Date found: October 28, 2026 Location: West Apostle Mountain, Chaffee County, Colorado Cause of death: Pending autopsies and investigation, according to reports available October 29, 2026 Funeral arrangements: No confirmed details located Disclaimer: This article is based on news coverage and statements attributed to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado Mountain College. The cause of death should be updated only when authorities release confirmed findings. Share this... Facebook Pinterest Twitter Linkedin Threads Post navigation Marilyn “Merl” Craft Obituary: Former Pittsburg Mayor Remembered for Nearly 50 Years of Public Service Nick Akeroyd Obituary: Halifax Mourns 32-Year-Old Motorcyclist After Moor End Road Crash