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They were expected back by Sunday, and college staff reported
them missing Monday morning. About 60 search and rescue
volunteers, aided by helicopters, drones and dogs, are searching
for them.
The helicopter crew on Tuesday discovered a tent collapsed under
the snow with their sleeping bags, a stove and clothing near a
lake northwest of Ice Mountain — but the students were nowhere
to be found.
Based on the tent's location, officials said they were aiming
for the 13,597-foot West Apostle Mountain, which is not far from
Ice Mountain.
Friends and family described both as experienced hikers and
climbers.
Matsuda is studying to become a wildland firefighter, and Donlon
is studying to become a mountain guide, Chaffee County Sheriff
Andy Rohrich said in a post on social media.
Investigators didn’t find their climbing gear in their dorms,
vehicle or tent, suggesting they had taken it with them for the
ascent, the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities have expanded search areas but expect poor weather
beginning Friday that could limit aerial searches for several
days.
“We are proud of these young men concerning how prepared they
were, but sometimes mother nature throws you a curveball,"
Rohrich said, referring to the storm dropping over a foot of
snow in the area on Saturday.
While the “window of opportunity” to find the duo is closing,
“hope is not lost by family and friends, nor us,” Rohrich said.
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Yu reported from Phoenix.
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