Snow Collapses Tent in Colorado Search

Chaffee County authorities found a snow-covered tent on Tuesday that belonged to two missing college students.

Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, hiked away from the Colorado Mountain College Leadville campus on Friday. They did not return to the campus as expected. Staff at the college reported the pair missing on Monday after failing to contact them. Investigators later learned the two men intended to hike Ice Mountain in the far north of the county. Friends described the hikers as experienced and prepared with appropriate gear. They planned to return on Saturday if conditions felt unsafe, or on Sunday if they reached Ice Mountain.

Matsuda's vehicle was discovered at the trailhead. Approximately eight inches of snow covered the ground around the car, but no snow lay underneath it. Weather records show rain fell on Friday, followed by snow starting Saturday afternoon. Forensic analysis of the hikers' phones showed they had not been used for 48 hours. The sheriff's office noted that cell service in the area is weak. The hikers may have turned off their devices to save battery power.

A helicopter located an object near Lake Ann on Tuesday. A ground team investigated and identified it as the hikers' tent. The structure had collapsed under the weight of snow. No snow existed beneath the tent, and no footprints were visible in the surrounding area. This suggested the tent was set up before the recent snowfall. Sleeping bags, a stove, and clothing were found inside. The hikers were not present.

Ice Mountain is considered a technical climb. Authorities recommend that only highly experienced hikers attempt it in dry conditions. The mountain received one to two feet of snow, with drifts reaching three to four feet in some locations. Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich said officials remain optimistic that the hikers are sheltering somewhere. He stated that the window for rescue is narrowing due to expected poor weather later in the week. All available resources are being deployed to the field. Investigators are also evaluating other possible destinations the hikers may have targeted.

Rohrich described both men as strong and said hope remains. A spokesperson for Colorado Mountain College confirmed that staff and faculty are supporting the student body. Faculty members with specialized training in mountain travel and rescue are assisting in the field search.

The search continues across the region as weather conditions remain challenging for ground teams.