The search for two missing hunters in southern Colorado has been called off after rescue teams found the bodies of Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko. The discovery was made on Thursday in Conejos County. The men had been missing since September 11 near the Rio de los Pinos Trailhead.
- Two men's bodies found in Conejos County
- Search for missing hunters officially called off
- Missing hunters: Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko
- Hunting seasons in Colorado: muzzleloading and archery
- Families launched fundraiser for rescue efforts
- Authorities confirmed the men's deaths
Porter, 25, from Asheville, North Carolina, and Stasko, 25, from Salt Lake City, Utah, went missing while elk hunting during Colorado’s muzzleloading season. Their satellite device was not working, and they had not been heard from since September 11. Their families launched a fundraiser to aid in the search, which was ultimately unsuccessful. Colorado rescue teams recovered their bodies Thursday, confirmed by Porter’s aunt, Lynne Runkle.
- Rescue teams located the bodies in Conejos County on September 19, 2025.
- The men had been missing for over a week during Colorado’s hunting season.
- Their satellite devices were not functioning, complicating search efforts.
- The families had organized a fundraiser to support rescue operations prior to the discovery.
This incident underscores the dangers of Colorado’s hunting seasons, especially when communication devices fail. Hunters should exercise caution and ensure proper safety measures.
The authorities have now concluded the search, and the focus shifts to supporting the families affected by this tragedy.
