A Tragic End in the Wilderness: Missing Elk Hunters Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko Found Dead in Colorado’s Rio Grande National Forest

On September 18, 2025, the intensive search for two missing elk hunters in southern Colorado concluded tragically. Andrew Porter (25, of Asheville, North Carolina) and Ian Stasko (25, of Salt Lake City, Utah) were found deceased near the Rio de Los Pinos Trailhead in the Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos County. Porter’s aunt, Lynne Runkle, confirmed the news on a GoFundMe page established to support search efforts, writing, “It is with a broken heart and through tears that I give you this update… Their bodies were discovered earlier today by Colorado Search and Rescue”. The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office recovered two unidentified males approximately two miles from the trailhead at 11:00 a.m. local time, though formal identification is pending.

 Timeline of Disappearance and Search Efforts

1. Last Contact:

   • Porter and Stasko were last heard from on September 11 at around 2:45 p.m., when Porter shared his location via a Garmin InReach satellite device with his fiancée, Bridget Murphy.

   • The last ping originated near their vehicle parked at the Rio de Los Pinos Trailhead.

2. Overdue Report and Initial Findings:

   • The hunters were reported overdue on September 12 after failing to check in with family.

   • Law enforcement located their vehicle at the trailhead, containing camping gear, backpacks, and wet clothing—but critical hunting equipment (bows, game bags, binoculars) was missing, suggesting they had returned to hunt after changing clothes.

3. Confirmed Sighting:

   • On September 12, fellow hunters reported seeing Porter and Stasko alive at the Spruce Hole Trailhead around 10:00 a.m. The men mentioned spotting a large bull elk and planned to track it. Their vehicle was later moved back to the Rio de Los Pinos Trailhead.

4. Severe Weather Complications:

   • Violent storms hit the area on September 11–12, bringing heavy rain, lightning, thick fog, and freezing temperatures. Murphy noted these conditions persisted until September 14, likely disorienting the hunters and exacerbating risks like hypothermia.

5. Search Operations:

   • A multi-agency effort launched on September 13, involving:

     • Air operations, drone teams, K-9 units, and ground searchers from multiple counties.

     • Over 54 professional and volunteer teams scouring rugged terrain between the Rio de Los Pinos and Spruce Hole trailheads.

   • Families offered a $10,000 reward for information and raised over $78,000 via GoFundMe to support resources.

 Challenges of the Terrain and Conditions

• Location: The hunters were in Game Management Unit 81, a remote area characterized by extreme ruggedness, dense timber, and high elevations near the New Mexico border.

• Weather: Sudden storms and hypothermia risks were significant concerns. Murphy emphasized that while both men were “savvy outdoorsmen” with experience building shelters and backcountry hunting, the conditions could have led to disorientation or panic.

• Gear Left Behind: The absence of survival gear in their vehicle—including sat phones that later went unresponsive—left them vulnerable to extended exposure.

 Community and Family Response

• Bridget Murphy, Porter’s fiancée, tirelessly coordinated search efforts via social media, pleading for experienced volunteers and resources: “If you are qualified/experienced… please, I beg of you, come to the trailhead to help search on foot”.

• Lori Meistrell, Porter’s aunt, expressed gratitude to law enforcement, SAR teams, and volunteers: “The family is heartbroken but thanks everyone for their hard work and support”.

• The Saguache County Search and Rescue team officially ended operations following the recovery.

 Ongoing Questions and Investigation

• Cause of Death: Authorities have not released details pending autopsy and family notification.

• Movement Between Trailheads: Why the men moved their vehicle from Spruce Hole to Rio de Los Pinos remains unclear.

• Impact of Weather: Whether hypothermia, falls, or other weather-related accidents occurred is under investigation.

 Remembering Andrew and Ian

Both men were originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, and alumni of James Madison University. Described as resourceful and passionate hunters, they had previously embarked on month-long backcountry trips in Montana. Porter was engaged to be married in the coming months. Their families emphasize their expertise but acknowledge the unpredictability of wilderness risks.

 Lessons for the Outdoor Community

1. Weather Preparedness: Even experienced outdoorsmen can be caught off-guard by rapidly changing conditions.

2. Gear Redundancy: Critical survival gear (e.g., communication devices, insulation) should always be carried, even on short excursions.

3. Communication Plans: Establish rigid check-in protocols with multiple contacts.

4. Community Support: The massive volunteer response highlights the outdoor community’s solidarity in crises.

Final Thoughts
As families mourn this devastating loss, the incident underscores the inherent dangers of wilderness pursuits and the critical role of coordinated search efforts. Our condolences to the loved ones of Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko.