Cause of death revealed for missing hunters found dead after ‘massive’ search, officials say

CONEJOS COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) - Officials have confirmed the cause of death of the missing hunters who were found dead after a “massive” search in southern Colorado.

The coroner confirmed that the two missing hunters, 25-year-old Andrew Porter from Asheville, N.C., and 25-year-old Ian Stasko from Salt Lake City, Utah, were struck by lightning.

A “massive” search began Sept. 13 at the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead after deputies said Porter and Stasko failed to check in with their loved ones.

The sheriff’s office said Porter and Stasko never returned while elk hunting in the San Juan Wilderness Area.

When deputies arrived at the trailhead, they found their vehicle with most of their gear inside, but did not find Porter or Stasko.

The sheriff’s office said search and rescue operations were immediately underway, with air operations, multi-county and state ground teams, dog teams, drone teams, ATVs and local volunteers working the area in a “massive” search.