Joe Yates
Tragic new developments have surfaced following the mysterious deaths of two young hunters who vanished during a trip in southern Colorado.
Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25, were reported missing after setting out on an elk hunting trip in the Rio Grande National Forest.
The experienced hunters were last heard from on the afternoon of last Thursday (September 11) - when Porter shared his location with his fiancée, Bridget Murphy, and had been checking in with her and his family throughout the day, but suddenly stopped responding.
Two days later, deputies arrived at the trailhead after receiving reports that the men had not returned home. Their vehicle was located, with camping gear and backpacks still inside - prompting concern given the worsening weather conditions at the time.
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Murphy, who was set to marry Porter in just a few months, told The Colorado Sun as the search continued that the pair were 'very prepared outdoorsmen', but admitted that the possibilities worried her.
She added: “It depends on if they were in sound mind, if they were disoriented or panicked, or if they were already hypothermic. We’re just not sure."
After nearly a week-long manhunt, their bodies were recovered near the Rio de Los Pinos Trailhead on Thursday (September 18).
The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two male bodies had been discovered at around 11am local time, though official identification is still pending. However, family members have since identified the men as Porter and Stasko.
A GoFundMe page had been set up by Porter's aunt - Lynne Runkle - to help with the search, but on Thursday she gave a grim update to notify donators that the bodies of the duo had tragically been recovered.
"It is with a broken heart and through tears that I give you this update," she wrote.
"Andrew and Ian have both been found deceased. Their bodies were discovered earlier today by Colorado Search and Rescue. I will provide another update tomorrow.
"Please keep Andrew’s and Ian‘s families in your thoughts and prayers."
The cause of death remains unclear.
"There were no visible injuries on the bodies, nor were there any initial signs of foul play," Conejos County Coroner Richard Martin, told ABC's Denver 7.
He also told CBS News that if trauma had been evident the case would have been handed over to federal authorities - due to the bodies being found on federal land.
Autopsies are scheduled to take place tomorrow, at the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.