Jackson Donlon, 20, and Kaden Matsuda, 19, were discovered near each other in a basin of West Apostle Mountain in Colorado’s Chaffee County around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, authorities said.
Authorities identified Donlon as being from New York but have not released his hometown or specified where in the state he lived.
Both attended Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus, according to ABC affiliate Denver7. Matsuda was studying to become a wildland firefighter, while Donlon was preparing to become a mountain guide.
“Foul play is not suspected, and we will not offer theories as to what may have happened until an autopsy can be completed,” the sheriff’s office said. “A detailed investigation will be completed in partnership with the Chaffee County Coroner’s Office. The two were found near each other.”
The students left campus Friday, Oct. 23, planning to hike Ice Mountain. Friends said they intended to return early if conditions felt unsafe or come back Sunday, Oct. 25, if they continued, ABC News reported.
College staff reported them missing Monday, Oct. 26.
Snow complicated the search. Authorities said the mountain received 1 to 2 feet of snow, with deeper accumulations in some areas.
Searchers found the students’ tent near Lake Ann on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Sleeping bags, a stove, and clothing were inside, but neither student was there, according to ABC News.
“Our heart aches for Kaden and Jackson’s family and friends,” Sheriff Andy Rohrich said. “We are very proud of our team’s efforts to find them before this weekend’s coming storm.
“Although this is a gut punch, our prayers were answered that we would find Kaden and Jackson, allowing some closure for the family. We ask that everyone give time and distance to family members and friends as they mourn their loss.”
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