2 hunters, 1 from Utah, found dead after intense search efforts in Colorado

SALT LAKE CITY – Two 25-year-old hunters were found dead after search and rescue teams first began looking for them on Saturday.

The Saguache County Search and Rescue announced on Thursday that Ian Stasko from Salt Lake City was found dead, along with Andrew Porter, who was from Asheville, North Carolina.

“Saguache County Search and Rescue wishes to express our sincere condolences to the family of these young men,” the search and rescue said.

Search efforts

Stasko and Porter were first reported missing in Colorado on Saturday, after not returning home from elk hunting in the San Juan Wilderness Area west of Trujillo Meadows Reservoir.

“The Vehicle that Andrew and Ian drove to the Trail Head was located but neither individual was there,” the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office said. “Camping gear and backpacks were located in the vehicle prompting Deputies to become concerned due to heavy rain and bad weather.”

By Wednesday, the two men were still not found, and officials said volunteers traveled from all over the nation to help with search efforts.

“The New Mexico State Police and La Plata County Search and rescue Teams along with Volunteers from as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Wyoming and numerous other States and Counties across the State, and the Nation have and are responding. We have had over 54 teams of professionally trained Search and Rescue Personnel mixed with volunteers in the field,” the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office said.

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This story may be updated as more information becomes available.