CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colorado — Jackson Donlon, a 20-year-old student at Colorado Mountain College, has died after going missing during a planned hiking and climbing trip in Colorado’s Sawatch Range. His death, along with that of fellow student Kaden Matsuda, 19, has brought sadness to their families, friends, classmates, and the outdoor community.

According to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, the two students were found deceased at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in a basin on West Apostle Mountain. Their deaths followed a multi-day search involving search-and-rescue crews and volunteers working in challenging mountain conditions.

Who Was Jackson Donlon?

Jackson Donlon was originally from New York and attended Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus. According to information shared during the search, he was studying to become a mountain guide and had experience participating in outdoor activities.

His interest in mountain guiding reflected a path toward a future in the outdoors, combining education with the skills needed to navigate demanding terrain. For those who knew him, his time at college was part of a journey toward his professional ambitions.

Donlon set out on a weekend hiking and climbing trip with Matsuda on Friday, October 23. Their intended destination was Ice Mountain, a Colorado peak known for challenging climbing conditions.

When the students did not return as expected, concern grew among those waiting for them. College staff contacted authorities on Monday, October 26, prompting a search operation in the surrounding mountain area.

Multi-Day Search for Jackson Donlon and Kaden Matsuda

The search for the missing students involved coordinated efforts by law enforcement, search-and-rescue teams, and volunteers. Crews used aircraft, drones, search dogs, and ground teams to examine areas around their intended route.

During the operation, deputies located Matsuda’s vehicle near the Mount Huron trailhead. Searchers later discovered the hikers’ tent near Lake Ann, providing additional information as teams continued looking for the pair.

Snowfall, hazardous terrain, and changing mountain weather made the operation particularly difficult. Conditions in high-elevation areas can complicate search efforts by limiting visibility, access, and the ability of crews to move safely across steep or exposed ground.

On Wednesday afternoon, October 28, authorities located both students in a basin on West Apostle Mountain. The sheriff’s office confirmed that they had died.

Investigation Into Jackson Donlon’s Death

Authorities said foul play was not suspected. However, the precise circumstances surrounding the deaths of Donlon and Matsuda had not been publicly established in the information available for this report.

Officials indicated that autopsies and further investigation would help determine what happened. Until those findings are released, the cause of death should not be assumed.

The investigation is expected to consider the circumstances of the trip and the conditions the students encountered in the mountains. Further conclusions should be based on official findings rather than speculation.

Colorado Mountain College Responds to the Loss

Colorado Mountain College expressed grief over the deaths of both students and extended condolences to their families, friends, and the campus community.

The loss of two young students has affected people connected to the college, particularly those who shared classes, outdoor interests, and plans for the future with them. Support from classmates, faculty, and the wider community may be important as those affected begin to process the news.

Search-and-rescue personnel and volunteers were also recognized for their efforts throughout the operation, which required sustained work in difficult mountain conditions.

Remembering Jackson Donlon

Jackson Donlon was a young student pursuing an education and a future in mountain guiding. His reported death at 20 has cut short the plans and opportunities he was working toward, leaving loved ones to grieve a life that had much ahead of it.

For his family and friends, memories of shared experiences and the person they knew will remain central to remembering him beyond the circumstances of his final hiking trip. His classmates and fellow outdoor enthusiasts may also remember him through the interests and ambitions that brought them together.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on establishing the facts while respecting the privacy of both families during an exceptionally difficult time.

Funeral Arrangements and Memorial Information

Confirmed details about Jackson Donlon’s funeral arrangements, visitation, or celebration of life were not included in the information available for this article.

Family members or an authorised representative may share details when arrangements are finalised. Those wishing to pay their respects should look for official family announcements or notices from an authorised funeral home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Jackson Donlon?

Jackson Donlon was a 20-year-old student at Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus who was reportedly studying to become a mountain guide.

When was Jackson Donlon found?

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office said Donlon and fellow student Kaden Matsuda were found deceased at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Where were the students found?

Authorities located them in a basin on West Apostle Mountain in Chaffee County, Colorado.

What caused Jackson Donlon’s death?

The cause of death had not been publicly established in the information available for this article. Authorities said autopsies and further investigation would help determine the circumstances.

Have funeral arrangements been announced?

No confirmed funeral or memorial details were included in the information available for this report.

A Community Mourns

The deaths of Jackson Donlon and Kaden Matsuda have brought grief to their families, friends, classmates, and the Colorado Mountain College community. As those who knew them mourn, attention remains on the ongoing investigation and on supporting the people affected by their loss.

Our condolences go to both families and to everyone grieving the students’ deaths.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Details are based on the information available at the time of writing and may change as authorities release further findings. The cause and circumstances of the deaths should be confirmed through official updates. Information about funeral arrangements and a celebration of life should be obtained from the families or authorised representatives.