AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 29, 2026
Colorado Mountain College Students Reported Missing
The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office announced that two students from Colorado Mountain College (CMC), Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon, were found dead following an extensive multi day search effort. Matsuda, a 19-year-old from Ridgway, Colorado, and Donlon, a 20-year-old from New York, were first reported missing on Monday morning by staff at the CMC Leadville campus.
Timeline of the College Student Disappearance
Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon had embarked on a hiking trip on October 23. According to the sheriff’s office, the pair were expected to return by Sunday. Concern grew after the students missed their anticipated return, prompting campus staff to report them missing around 10 a.m. on Monday.
Search and Rescue Efforts in West Apostle Mountain
A focused search and rescue operation was launched, covering the rugged and remote terrain near West Apostle Mountain. The search involved multiple local authorities who worked against the clock, especially with weather concerns increasing as a weekend storm approached. After a multi day search, the missing students were located around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday in a basin of West Apostle Mountain.
Discovery and Initial Investigation
Officials stated that both individuals were found near each other. At this time, the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office does not suspect foul play in the deaths. However, an investigation will proceed in partnership with the Coroner’s Office to determine the circumstances surrounding the student deaths.
Official Statement from Chaffee County Sheriff
Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich released a statement, expressing condolences to the families and friends of the students. "Our heart aches for Kaden and Jackson’s family and friends. We are very proud of our team’s efforts to find them before this weekend’s coming storm. Although this is a gut punch, our prayers were answered that we would find Kaden and Jackson, allowing some closure for the family. We ask that everyone give time and distance to family members and friends as they mourn their loss," Sheriff Rohrich stated.
Next Steps in the Investigation
While no foul play is suspected, the Coroner’s Office, along with law enforcement, will thoroughly investigate the incident to provide definitive answers regarding the cause of the tragedy. Authorities have asked the public to respect the privacy of the families and friends during this difficult time.
Source: kdvr.com.
