September 19, 2025

Tragic Discovery of Missing Elk Hunters in Colorado

Conejos County, Colorado, September 19, 2025

News Summary

Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko were reported missing during an elk hunting trip in Conejos County, Colorado. After a thorough search operation involving over 170 personnel, their bodies were found two miles from their vehicle at the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead. The two men disappeared amidst severe weather conditions, raising concerns about their preparedness for the rugged terrain of the Rio Grande National Forest. The investigation remains ongoing as families await more information on the cause of death.

Conejos County, Colorado – Two missing elk hunters, Andrew Porter (25) from Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stasko (25) from Salt Lake City, Utah, have been found deceased following a search operation that spanned several days. The men went missing during an elk hunting trip in southern Colorado, west of Trujillo Meadows Reservoir, approximately four miles north of the Colorado-New Mexico border.

The last communication from Porter and Stasko occurred on Thursday, September 11, coinciding with severe storms that struck the area. Family members were awaiting a scheduled check-in, but the men did not make contact after that time. Their vehicle was located at the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead, equipped with camping gear and backpacks, raising significant concern given the adverse weather conditions.

Search and rescue operations commenced on Saturday, September 13, after family members notified authorities about their disappearance. The operation involved more than 170 personnel and included ground crews, air support, and search dogs. The community rallied to support the search with a GoFundMe campaign aimed at funding the efforts. On September 12, fellow hunters reported seeing the missing men on a neighboring trail, which assisted authorities in broadening the search area.

On September 18, the Colorado Search and Rescue team located the bodies of Porter and Stasko approximately two miles from the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead, with confirmations of their passing relayed by family member Lynne Runkle. The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the recovery of the bodies around 11 a.m. on the same day. At this time, the investigation remains ongoing, and specific details regarding the cause of death have not been disclosed as next-of-kin notifications were pending.

The rugged terrain of the Rio Grande National Forest, a well-known site for elk hunting, added complications to the search operation. The last recorded signal from Porter’s Garmin satellite device was traced back to the area near Stasko’s vehicle at the trailhead. Family members characterized the hunters as experienced and capable, although they highlighted concerns that neither man may have been fully prepared for extended periods in inclement weather.

The response to the situation was marked by collaboration among search volunteers and local authorities, showcasing a strong sense of community support. The sheriff’s office emphasized the dedication and teamwork displayed during the search efforts, which involved extensive coordination among multiple groups.

Key Facts

Missing hunters: Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko
Reported missing: September 11, 2023
Search initiated: September 13, 2023
Location of vehicle: Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead
Bodies found: September 18, 2023
Area: Rio Grande National Forest
Personnel involved in search: Over 170

Background Information

The Rio Grande National Forest is a popular location for elk hunting, known for its challenging terrain. The swift onset of severe weather contributed to the dangers faced by the hunters, who had failed to return after their expected check-in time. The investigation into the deaths continues as families await further information.

FAQ

Who were the missing elk hunters?

The missing elk hunters were Andrew Porter, 25, from Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stasko, 25, from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Where did the hunters go missing?

The hunters went missing west of Trujillo Meadows Reservoir, about four miles north of the Colorado-New Mexico border.

When did they disappear?

Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko disappeared on Thursday, September 11.

What initiated the search operation?

Family members reported the men missing when they did not check in at a predetermined time, prompting authorities to search the area.

What kind of search efforts were deployed?

More than 170 personnel participated in the search efforts, including ground crews, air support, and search dogs.

When were the bodies found?

Porter and Stasko’s bodies were recovered on September 18, approximately two miles from the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead.

Is there an ongoing investigation?

Yes, the investigation is ongoing, and details about the cause of death have not yet been disclosed.

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Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Missing Persons	Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko
Location	West of Trujillo Meadows Reservoir
Date of Disappearance	September 11, 2023
Search Initiation Date	September 13, 2023
Bodies Found	September 18, 2023
Search Personnel	Over 170
Area Characteristics	Rugged terrain, popular elk hunting location