Coroner issues update after two 25-year-old experienced hunters were killed by lightning
A coroner has given further insight after two hunters who died in Colorado last week as a result of a lightning strike.
Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko were out hunting elk near the Rio de Los Pinos Trailhead on September 11.
Stasko had shared his location with his fiancèe, Bridget Murphy, over the phone, so when he stopped checking in with her and his family, they became concerned.
His last communication was on September 11, and two days later, local deputies received a report of the two being missing. After locating their vehicle, which still had all their camping gear inside, the men's bodies were located on Thursday (September 18).
Advert
The Conejos County Coroner Richard Martin told ABC 7 that there were 'no visible injuries on the bodies, nor were there any initial signs of foul play'.
And now, Martin has concluded in terms of how the two men died.
Martin told The Colorado Sun that the hunters were discovered below a tree and displayed burn marks.
"A slight burn is like if you take a match and stick it on your arm," he said. "And there were only two or three of them. That kind of death is just instant. It's like you're alive and now you're not. Just that quick. Split second."
According to PEOPLE, the coroner also claimed their slight injuries were consistent with a 'pretty intense electrical jolt'. However, the official cause of death will only be clarified once the full autopsy results are out in eight weeks.
"I'm telling you, that's what it was," Martin reiterated.
Reacting to the news via Facebook, Murphy wrote: "It is OFFICIAL, that a lightning strike to the ground took them in an instant. They didn't do anything wrong; they didn't feel fear or pain.
"He was just trying to get back to the car as storms rolled in on Friday – September 12. It was out of everyone's hands, and I am so grateful we found them so they can be at peace. He was an experienced outdoorsman, who was in the wrong spot at the wrong time."
According to data from the National Weather Service, since 1980, lightning strikes have resulted in two deaths and 12 injuries annually in Colorado.
After setting up a GoFundMe page to help cover the initial search and rescue efforts, Porter's aunt, Lynne Runkle, has since provided an update on where the donations will now be directed.
"We are deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of support from everyone," she wrote yesterday (September 23).
"Given the change in circumstances, we will be reallocating the remaining funds—originally intended for search and rescue efforts—to help cover memorial services for Andrew and Ian, as well as to support their families during this difficult time.
"We believe this is the most meaningful way to honour your generous contributions."
At the time of writing, $78,666 has been raised.
Dan Seddon