Two Colorado Mountain College students missing after Ice Mountain hike
The gist
Two Colorado Mountain College students hiking Ice Mountain never returned, prompting a search of more than 60 people.
Rescuers found their tent collapsed under snow, but no sign of the men.
How it unfolded
- Oct 23, 2026Matsuda and Donlon left Colorado Mountain College in Leadville to hike Ice Mountain in Chaffee County.
- Oct 24, 2026Snow began Saturday afternoon, creating horrific road conditions around Chaffee County within minutes; Ice Mountain received one to two feet of snow, with three to four feet in some areas from drifting.
- Oct 26, 2026CMC staff reported the men missing Monday morning, prompting a multi-team search; Matsuda's vehicle was found at the Mount Huron trailhead with about 8 inches of snow on the ground but none under the vehicle. Forensic checks showed neither hiker had used a cellphone in over 48 hours.