Two young hikers, Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, died on Colorado's Ice Mountain after a catastrophic failure during a rappelling descent, according to a medical examiner.
The experienced college students were reported missing by staff at Colorado Mountain College Leadville Campus on October 23 when they did not return from their hike as scheduled. A search and rescue operation lasting 48 hours led to the discovery of their bodies near a basin of West Apostle Mountain.
Autopsies conducted on November 2 determined the cause of death for both individuals to be multiple blunt force injuries, with deaths described as instant. Investigators found that the anchor Donlon was using for rappelling experienced a "catastrophic failure of unknown cause," leading to the fall. The exact distance of the fall was not determined, but authorities stated they fell a substantial distance.
Sheriff Andy Rohrich expressed condolences to the families and friends of Matsuda and Donlon, acknowledging their passion for the outdoors. He noted that "in most similar cases that have led to a devastating conclusion, we find it easy to pick apart what was done wrong. That was not the case with Kaden and Jackson."
Friends of the hikers had informed investigators that Matsuda and Donlon planned to turn back if they felt unsafe. They had also shared a map of their intended route to the 13,958-foot peak with friends. Evidence found at the site included a collapsed tent containing sleeping bags and clothing, and Matsuda's car was located on a nearby trail, covered in eight inches of snow.