There have been sorrowful updates following the unexplained deaths of two young hunters who disappeared during a trip in southern Colorado.
Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25 years old, were reported missing after embarking on an elk hunting expedition in the Rio Grande National Forest.
The two seasoned hunters had been last in contact on the afternoon of the previous Thursday (September 11), when Porter shared his location with his fiancée, Bridget Murphy. He had been regularly communicating with her and his family throughout the day but abruptly ceased responding.
Two days later, deputies arrived at the trailhead upon receiving alerts that the men had not returned. Their vehicle was discovered with camping gear and backpacks inside, raising concerns given the deteriorating weather at that time.
Murphy, who was due to marry Porter in a few months, mentioned to The Colorado Sun that while the search was ongoing, the pair were ‘very prepared outdoorsmen,’ but acknowledged her worries about the situation.
She added: “It depends on if they were in sound mind, if they were disoriented or panicked, or if they were already hypothermic. We’re just not sure.”
After a nearly week-long search effort, their bodies were located near the Rio de Los Pinos Trailhead on Thursday (September 18).
The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office announced that two male bodies were found around 11 am local time, with official identification still awaiting confirmation. Nonetheless, family members have recognized the men as Porter and Stasko.
A GoFundMe campaign had been initiated by Porter’s aunt, Lynne Runkle, to aid in the search. However, on Thursday, she delivered a heartbreaking update to donors, informing them that the bodies of the two men had been tragically found.
“It is with a broken heart and through tears that I give you this update,” she wrote.
“Andrew and Ian have both been found deceased. Their bodies were discovered earlier today by Colorado Search and Rescue. I will provide another update tomorrow.
“Please keep Andrew’s and Ian‘s families in your thoughts and prayers.”
The cause of death is not yet determined.
“There were no visible injuries on the bodies, nor were there any initial signs of foul play,” stated Conejos County Coroner Richard Martin, in an interview with ABC’s Denver 7.
He also mentioned to CBS News that if there had been signs of trauma, the case would have been transferred to federal authorities, as the bodies were found on federal land.
Autopsies are scheduled for tomorrow at the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.