Two Young Males Found Dead In Colorado Hunting Expedition Tragedy

Two elk hunters who had been missing for a week in southern Colorado were discovered dead Thursday, authorities confirmed.

The bodies of Andrew Porter of Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stasko of Salt Lake City, Utah, both 25, were found after a search effort that spanned days and involved multiple rescue teams, as reported by The New York Post.

Coroner: ‘No signs of foul play’ after two missing elk hunters found dead in southern Colorado https://t.co/y3WwQS2qhA

— The Denver Post (@denverpost) September 20, 2025

According to a statement from the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office, the remains were located around 11 a.m. near the Rio de los Pinos trailhead in Conejos County, about two miles into rugged national forest terrain.

The area is characterized by steep ridgelines and dense timber.

Family members had previously launched a GoFundMe page to support search efforts. Porter’s aunt, Lynne Runkle, shared the tragic news on the fundraiser page.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“It is with a broken heart and through tears that I give you this update. 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,” she wrote.

She asked for continued prayers for both families.

Authorities reported that neither body showed obvious signs of trauma. The official cause of death has not been determined, though weather may have been a factor.

In the days before their discovery, Runkle noted that severe storms had moved through the region and said the pair may have been caught off guard.

Porter last made contact on September 11 when he sent his location through a satellite device to his fiancée, Bridget Murphy. The device later pinged near their car parked at the trailhead.

Murphy told local outlets that gear found in Stasko’s vehicle suggested the men may have returned briefly to change clothes before heading back into the wilderness. Both men were described by family as experienced outdoorsmen.

“They’ve been building shelters in the woods since they were 12 for fun,” Murphy said in an interview.

Update: Missing Elk Hunters Found Dead in Southwest Colorado

“It is with a broken heart and through tears that I give you this update,” wrote GoFundMe organizer Lynn Runkle, who identified herself as Andrew Porter’s aunt, from Greenbriar Heights, Virginia.

“Andrew and Ian… pic.twitter.com/a3x02wfSGR

— Field & Stream (@FieldandStream) September 19, 2025

Witnesses reported seeing the pair with their vehicle at the Spruce Hole trailhead the morning of Friday, September 13. They reportedly told the witness they had spotted a bull moose and were heading out to pursue it.

The car was later moved back to the Rio de los Pinos trailhead, giving Murphy hope that they had made it safely through at least one more night before storms struck.

The discovery concluded an extensive search that included both ground crews and aerial teams. Murphy had posted regular updates during the search, including messages of faith and requests for prayer.

In one earlier post, she wrote, “Thank you all. Say a prayer, God wrap your arms around them and keep them safe, help us find them.”

The investigation into their deaths remains ongoing as officials await autopsy results.

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