Climbing Anchor Failure Caused Fatal Fall of Two Colorado Students in Chaffee County
Two young college students embarked on a backcountry trip in the Colorado mountains that ended in tragedy when a climbing anchor suffered a catastrophic failure while they were rappelling. Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, both students at Colorado Mountain College, died instantly from multiple blunt force injuries after falling a substantial distance in a basin of West Apostle Mountain, according to joint statements from the Chaffee County sheriff’s and coroner’s offices.
The incident drew extensive local attention after the men failed to return from a hiking and climbing trip near Ice Mountain. The pair was reported missing on Oct. 26 after Colorado Mountain College staff learned they hadn’t returned from their hiking and climbing trip, launching search and rescue efforts that were subsequently hampered by severe weather.
Heavy Snowstorm Complicates Search for Missing Hikers
Search and rescue crews mobilized quickly once the students failed to check in. Teams located Matsuda’s vehicle on a Monday, which directed their focus toward the surrounding rugged terrain. Deputies discovered the hikers’ tent near Lake Ann, believing the men had set up camp there on Oct. 23. A heavy snowstorm dropped 8 inches of snow on the trailhead on Oct. 24, causing the empty tent to collapse under the weight with gear still left inside.
The winter weather significantly complicated the recovery operations. However, authorities clarified that while the storm may have had a negative impact leading up to the incident, it did not play a direct role in causing the fatal fall. Search teams eventually found the bodies of Matsuda and Donlon on Oct. 28 in a basin of West Apostle Mountain, and recovery operations concluded the following day.
Colorado Mountain College students killed after fall while rappelling, investigators say pic.twitter.com/3U6A7VaZkt
Investigation Findings on the Rappel Anchor Failure
An autopsy conducted by the Chaffee County Coroner’s Office confirmed that both men died instantly of blunt force injuries after falling an unknown distance.
According to official findings, Jackson Donlon was beginning to rappel from a primary anchor point on rock substrate—a mix of rock, stone, gravel, sand, and mineral deposits—when the setup experienced a catastrophic failure of unknown cause. The pair had attempted to secure their setup by backing up the primary anchor with a piton and a secondary anchor made of rock substrate. Kaden Matsuda was attached via his personal anchor device to those same points as well as the primary anchor.
“In most similar cases that have led to a devastating conclusion, we find it easy to pick apart what was done wrong,” the Chaffee County sheriff’s and coroner’s offices stated. “That was not the case with Kaden and Jackson.”
Investigators noted that the two men were well-prepared for their backcountry expedition, separating this event from cases involving novice mistakes or poor gear management.
Colorado Mountain College students fell to their deaths while rappelling, authorities say https://t.co/aGTp7Nubt1 pic.twitter.com/W6G0M6cqPQ
Remembering the Students
Kaden Matsuda hailed from Ridgway, while Jackson Donlon was from Queensbury, New York. Both were pursuing their education at Colorado Mountain College before staff members realized they had not returned from their trip, prompting the initial missing persons report.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich shared a perspective on the final moments of the two climbers.
Investigation Reveals Cause of Death for Two Young Colorado Climbers CHAFFEE COUNTY, COLORADO | DENVER IN THE DARK The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office has released the findings of its investigation into the deaths of two young climbers who disappeared during an October trip…
“Kaden and Jackson lived life at the highest peaks, chasing freedoms and panoramic views that most of us only see in pictures. We hope their families and friends find strength in the memories of their vibrant spirits. While their lives were far too short, they spent their final moments together surrounded by the majestic beauty of Chaffee County’s high peaks that they loved. There is also relief knowing neither of them suffered,” said Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich.
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