Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon Obituary, Death – Two Missing Hikers Found Dead Near West Apostle Mountain in Colorado
Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon, the two hikers who went missing near Ice Mountain in Colorado, have been found dead in a basin near West Apostle Mountain, according to an October 28, 2026, announcement from the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.
The discovery brings a tragic end to the search for the two missing hikers, as families, friends, and members of the wider community mourn their loss. Search crews had worked under severe winter conditions in an effort to locate them, deploying multiple resources across the challenging mountain terrain.
Authorities confirmed that both hikers were found deceased. Investigators do not suspect foul play, although the official causes and manners of death will be determined following autopsies.
Search Efforts Conducted in Severe Winter Conditions
The search for Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon involved extensive efforts by rescue personnel navigating difficult weather and mountainous terrain near Ice Mountain.
Teams used aircraft, drones, search dogs, and other available resources to cover the search area. Severe winter conditions presented additional challenges for those working to locate the missing hikers, requiring crews to operate in a demanding outdoor environment.
The search ultimately led authorities to a basin near West Apostle Mountain, where the two men were found dead. The sheriff’s office shared the discovery on October 28, bringing an end to the search operation.
The efforts of the search teams highlighted the difficult circumstances surrounding the incident and the work involved in searching for missing people in remote mountain areas.
Authorities Continue Investigation Into the Deaths
Although the two hikers have been located, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office has stated that foul play is not suspected.
Autopsies are expected to help establish the causes and manners of death. Until those examinations are completed, authorities have not provided further conclusions about what happened to Matsuda and Donlon.
The investigation will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and provide additional information for the families seeking answers.
Remembering Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon
The deaths of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon have brought sadness to their families, friends, and all those who followed the search. While further personal details about the two hikers have not been included in the announcement, their loss has prompted an outpouring of sympathy for those closest to them.
The difficult search conditions also underscore the challenges faced by rescue teams working in remote, mountainous areas during severe winter weather.
As their families and friends begin to grieve, thoughts and prayers remain with everyone affected by the tragedy, including the search personnel who worked to locate the missing hikers.
May the families of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon find strength and comfort in the support surrounding them as they face this heartbreaking loss.