Two Elk Hunters Found Deceased After Weeklong Search in Southern Colorado

Lead Two elk hunters, Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, were found dead near the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead in Conejos County Thursday morning, ending a six-day search after they failed to check in following severe weather last week.

Nut Graf The discovery of the bodies of the two 25-year-olds underscores the dangers of backcountry hunting in rugged terrain and extreme weather. Authorities and volunteers from multiple states mounted an extensive multi-agency operation to locate the missing hunters, highlighting both community solidarity and the unpredictable nature of Colorado’s high-country environment.

Key Facts

  • Victims: Andrew Porter, 25, of Asheville, N.C.; Ian Stasko, 25, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • Last contact: Sept. 11 at 3:39 p.m., when Porter’s satellite device pinged near their vehicle.
  • Vehicle found: Locked at Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead with camping gear inside.
  • Search resources: Over 170 personnel, including ground crews, air teams, canine units and volunteers from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Wyoming and New Mexico.
  • Weather: Severe thunderstorms, dense fog and heavy rain moved into the San Juan Wilderness Area on Sept. 11, complicating conditions.

Search and Rescue Effort Conejos County deputies discovered the hunters’ parked vehicle on Sept. 13, prompting a coordinated search by Colorado Search and Rescue, Saguache County and La Plata County teams, New Mexico State Police, and numerous volunteers. Flight operations included a Flight for Life helicopter and a privately-owned Black Hawk, while drones and horseback teams combed ridgelines and drainages in Game Management Unit 81.

Timeline of Events

  • Sept. 11, 3:39 p.m.: Final satellite ping sent by Porter’s Garmin InReach near the trailhead.
  • Sept. 12-13: Other hunters reported brief sightings; families notified authorities when check-in failed.
  • Sept. 13: Vehicle located at trailhead; search officially launched.
  • Sept. 18, 11 a.m.: Bodies recovered approximately two miles from trailhead by Colorado Search and Rescue.

Family Response and Next Steps Porter’s aunt, Lynne Runkle, announced the recovery via a GoFundMe update, urging continued thoughts and prayers for both families and promising further information once next-of-kin notifications are complete. The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate and has not yet released the official cause of death pending autopsy results.

Safety Advisory Officials remind hunters to file detailed trip plans, maintain reliable communication devices, and prepare for sudden weather shifts when venturing into remote wilderness areas. Emergency responders recommend carrying emergency shelters, extra water and high-visibility gear to improve rescue outcomes in adverse conditions.