Daijiworld Media Network - Colorado

Colorado, Sep 20: The remains of two missing elk hunters, Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25, were discovered following a massive weeklong search, the Saguache County Search & Rescue team confirmed on Thursday, September 18. Recovery operations have now been completed.

The friends had arrived at Rio De Los Pinos Trail Head in the Rio Grande National Forest for a hunting trip on September 11. Search efforts began on September 13 after the pair failed to check in with loved ones at a pre-determined time. Porter’s fiancée, Bridget Murphy, raised the alarm when he did not respond via his Garmin InReach device.

Authorities mobilized extensive resources due to concerns over heavy rain and rough weather, including K-9 units, volunteers on foot and horseback, and even a privately owned Black Hawk helicopter. Murphy posted daily updates on social media, vowing not to give up until the hunters were found.

“Their bodies were discovered earlier today by Colorado Search and Rescue,” said Lynne Runkle, Porter’s aunt, confirming the heartbreaking news. She had earlier set up a GoFundMe that raised over $78,000 to support the search efforts.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, September 22, in El Paso County, after which the official identification will be released. Saguache County Search & Rescue expressed condolences to the families, noting the tragic end to a massive and heartfelt search operation.

The incident highlights the risks faced by hunters in remote wilderness areas and the extraordinary effort put forth by local and national search and rescue teams.