LEADVILLE, Colorado — Kaden Matsuda, a 19-year-old Colorado Mountain College student from Ridgway, Colorado, has died after going missing during a planned mountain hiking trip in Chaffee County. His death, alongside that of fellow student Jackson Donlon, 20, has left their families, friends, classmates, and college community mourning two young lives lost in the Colorado mountains.

According to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, search teams located both students deceased at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in a basin on West Apostle Mountain. The discovery brought a tragic end to a search complicated by winter weather, snow-covered terrain, and hazardous mountain conditions.

Who Was Kaden Matsuda?

Kaden Matsuda was a student at Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus and was originally from Ridgway, Colorado. According to reports, he was studying to become a wildland firefighter and had experience hiking and climbing in mountainous terrain.

His interest in the outdoors was closely connected to the path he was pursuing. Preparing for a career in wildland firefighting requires an understanding of demanding environments, physical endurance, and outdoor safety.

At 19, Matsuda was working toward his future while pursuing his interest in the mountains. His reported death has brought sadness to those who knew him and to members of the college community who are grieving the loss of a young student.

What Happened During the Colorado Hiking Trip?

Matsuda and Donlon left the Colorado Mountain College campus on Friday, October 23, for a planned mountain trip. They had reportedly told friends and family that they intended to hike Ice Mountain and expected to return over the weekend.

When the two students failed to return, college staff contacted authorities on Monday, October 26, prompting a search operation involving law enforcement officers and search-and-rescue personnel.

The disappearance raised concerns as the expected return passed and the students could not be located.

Search for the Missing Hikers Ends in Tragedy

During the search, deputies located Matsuda’s vehicle near the Mount Huron trailhead. Search crews later discovered the hikers’ tent near Lake Ann, with camping equipment and other belongings still inside.

The search operation involved helicopters, drones, search dogs, and ground teams. Snow, winter weather, and difficult mountain terrain made the operation especially challenging.

On Wednesday, October 28, search teams located Matsuda and Donlon in a basin on West Apostle Mountain. Authorities confirmed that both students had died.

Their deaths have brought renewed attention to the risks of travelling through remote mountain environments, particularly when weather conditions change and access becomes difficult.

Investigation Into the Deaths

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office stated that foul play was not suspected. However, authorities had not confirmed the exact cause of death in the information available for this report.

Further investigation and autopsies were expected to help establish the circumstances surrounding the students’ deaths. Until official findings are released, the precise cause should not be assumed.

Colorado Mountain College Responds to the Loss

Colorado Mountain College expressed sadness over the deaths and extended condolences to the students’ families, friends, classmates, and instructors.

The loss of two students can affect an entire campus community, particularly those who studied alongside them, shared outdoor interests, or knew them through college activities.

As the community processes the news, support from classmates, instructors, friends, and family members may help those affected navigate the difficult days ahead.

Remembering Kaden Matsuda

Kaden Matsuda’s reported death at 19 has cut short a future that included his studies, his interest in the outdoors, and his goal of becoming a wildland firefighter.

For those who knew him, memories of shared experiences and the ambitions he was pursuing will remain part of how he is remembered. His story is also a reminder of the unpredictable challenges that can arise in remote mountain environments.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Kaden’s family, friends, classmates, instructors, and everyone mourning his loss, as well as to the loved ones of Jackson Donlon.

Funeral Arrangements and Memorial Information

Confirmed funeral arrangements, visitation details, or celebration-of-life information for Kaden Matsuda were not included in the information available for this article. Further details should be confirmed through his family, an authorised representative, or a funeral home announcement.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the details provided about the search and the deaths of Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon. The exact cause of death and funeral arrangements should be confirmed through official statements or authorised family announcements. Not all information on this website is accurate, complete, or independently verified.