Tragedy in San Juan National Forest: Two Missing Elk Hunters Found Dead
What began as a hopeful hunting trip deep in the rugged wilderness of southern Colorado has ended in tragedy. Two young men, reported missing on Saturday after failing to return from an elk hunting excursion in the San Juan National Forest Wilderness Area, have been found dead after nearly a week of exhaustive search efforts.
The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the hunters — Andrew Porter, 25, of Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stasko, 25, of Salt Lake City, Utah — were discovered after a massive multi-agency search operation. The devastating news was shared on Thursday afternoon by the aunt of one of the victims.
A Search That Gripped Multiple States
The ordeal began when Porter and Stasko failed to meet up at a designated location during their hunt. Concern quickly mounted after deputies responded to the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead and found the men’s vehicle. Inside, their camping gear and backpacks remained untouched — a discovery that immediately raised red flags for investigators and family members alike.
With worsening weather conditions, including heavy rain and treacherous terrain, time was of the essence. Authorities launched what they described as a “massive search,” deploying helicopters, dog teams, drones, all-terrain vehicles, and skilled ground crews. Local volunteers joined forces with professional search-and-rescue teams, some of whom traveled extraordinary distances from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Wyoming, and beyond to help.
Last Known Sightings
Family members told FOX31 that on September 11, trail cameras near the trailhead captured images of the two men, marking one of their last known movements. Other hunters in the area also reported encounters with Porter and Stasko in the days before the search began. These fragments of information fueled hope that the pair could still be alive, holding on somewhere in the vast backcountry.
Loved ones flew in from the East Coast and other parts of the country to join the efforts, waiting anxiously for any word from authorities. For six agonizing days, crews combed through rugged wilderness that spans thousands of acres, working against unpredictable weather and unforgiving terrain.
A Heartbreaking Conclusion
After nearly a week of relentless searching, the outcome everyone feared was confirmed. Porter and Stasko were found dead, ending the hopes of a safe return. As of now, details surrounding the cause of death have not been released, and the investigation into what happened remains ongoing.
Community and Family Grieve
The deaths of Porter and Stasko leave two families shattered, friends in mourning, and entire communities shaken. Both men, only 25 years old, were remembered by relatives as adventurous, full of life, and passionate about the outdoors. Their final journey into Colorado’s high country serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that even experienced hunters and hikers can face in unpredictable wilderness environments.
The efforts of law enforcement, volunteers, and search teams reflect the strength of community and solidarity in times of crisis. Though the outcome was tragic, the sheer scale of the search demonstrated a collective will to bring closure to the families.
As the investigation continues, loved ones of Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko are left to honor their memory, while officials remind the public of the importance of preparedness, communication, and caution in backcountry adventures.
