The Fatal Discovery

Two Colorado Mountain College students—Kaden Matsuda, 19, of Ridgway, and Jackson Donlon, 20, of New York—were found deceased in a basin on West Apostle Mountain after a weekend climbing attempt on Ice Mountain. The bodies were recovered the afternoon the search team reached the basin. The Chaffey County Sheriff’s Office said no foul play is suspected and that the manner of death will be determined after an autopsy.

Andy Rohrich says 2 hikers found dead near Ice Mountain, Colorado

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Background and Context

Ice Mountain, a near-14,000-foot peak on the eastern slope of the Rockies, requires technical climbing skills. Matsuda and Donlon left the Colorado Mountain College Leadville campus on Friday, intending to camp near the trailhead and attempt the ascent. They were expected back by Sunday, but staff reported them missing on Monday when they failed to return. A heavy snowstorm struck the area on Saturday, depositing up to two feet of snow on the summit and about eight inches at the trailhead, creating hazardous conditions and limiting aerial search operations.

KSL-TV

Visual evidence

Kaden Matsuda, 19, of Ridgway, Colorado, and Jackson Donlon, 20, of New York. Chaffee County Sheriff's OfficePhoto: livenowfox

Andy Rohrich says 2 hikers found dead near Ice Mountain, ColoradoPhoto: el-balad

Colorado Mountain College students Jackson Donlon, 20, left, and Kaden Matsuda, 19, were reported missing on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, after going hiking in the mountains near Buena Vista. (ImagesPhoto: denverpost

Ice Mountain is a nearly 14,000-foot peak on the eastern slope of the Rockies. Chaffee County Sheriff's OfficePhoto: nypost

missing person people childPhoto: denverpost

Crews searching via helicopter discovered a tent collapsed under the snow with their sleeping bags, a stove and clothing inside. Chaffee County Sheriff's OfficePhoto: nypost

New York-born Jackson Donlon, 20, also went missing during the hike and has also been found dead. Chaffee County Sheriff's OfficePhoto: nypost

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Search Effort and Findings

Approximately 60 volunteers from seven county search-and-rescue teams, supported by helicopters, drones, K-9 units and beacon technology, combed the mountains. A helicopter crew located a collapsed tent near a lake northwest of Ice Mountain; the tent contained the hikers’ sleeping bags, a stove and clothing, but no footprints or snow beneath the structure, indicating it was covered by the storm. Matsuda’s vehicle was found at the Mount Huron trailhead with snow around it but none underneath. No climbing equipment was located in the hikers’ dorms, vehicle or tent, suggesting it was carried for a technical climb.

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Official Statements & Responses

The Chaffey County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that they will not offer theories until the autopsy is complete. Colorado Mountain College expressed devastation over the loss of two members of its community. Sheriff Andy Rohrich conveyed sympathy for the families and highlighted the dedication of the search teams.