Tragedy in San Juan National Forest: Missing Elk Hunters Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko Found Dead After Extensive Search
CONEJOS COUNTY, Colo. (September 18, 2025) — A somber cloud hangs over the San Juan Mountains this week following the tragic discovery of two missing elk hunters who were found deceased after a days-long search in the remote wilderness of San Juan National Forest. Authorities have confirmed the identities of the victims as Andrew Porter, 25, of Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stasko, 25, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
The young men, both experienced outdoor enthusiasts, had embarked on what was supposed to be a multi-day elk hunting trip. Their journey, however, ended in heartbreak — both for their loved ones and for the rescue teams that had hoped to bring them home alive.
A Search That Gripped a Community
The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSRA), and volunteer teams from neighboring counties, initiated a full-scale search after the men were reported missing earlier this week.
Porter and Stasko had last been seen on Saturday morning, when they checked in via a GPS messaging device before heading into rugged terrain near Elwood Pass, a notoriously isolated and treacherous stretch of the San Juan backcountry. When they failed to return or make further contact, family members grew concerned and alerted authorities.
Search efforts were immediately complicated by early-season snowfall, dense forest, and the elevation — much of the area sits at over 10,000 feet. Despite the challenging conditions, teams worked tirelessly, using helicopters, drones, K-9 units, and ground crews to canvass the area.
The Discovery
Tragically, on Wednesday afternoon, a ground team located both men deceased near a steep ravine, several miles off any established trail. Officials have not released exact details regarding the cause of death, though they have ruled out foul play. Weather and terrain are suspected to have played a major role.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, it appeared the hunters may have gotten disoriented in the changing weather and attempted to descend into lower ground for shelter or access to water.
“This is the outcome we feared, and it breaks our hearts to deliver this news to the families,” said Sheriff Garth Hanson during a press conference Thursday morning. “We offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Andrew and Ian, and our gratitude to the teams who gave everything they had to bring them home.”
Who They Were
Both men were in their mid-twenties and described by family and friends as avid outdoorsmen, kind-hearted, and deeply connected to nature.
Andrew Porter, of Asheville, was a recent graduate of Appalachian State University, with a degree in Environmental Science. Friends say he was passionate about conservation, trail building, and wildlife photography. He had recently moved to Colorado to pursue a career in forestry and loved nothing more than spending time in the mountains.
Ian Stasko, originally from Boulder and residing in Salt Lake City, worked as a mechanical engineer and was known for his adventurous spirit and gentle demeanor. He had previously hiked sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and was planning to start a nonprofit promoting outdoor safety for young adults.
The two met during a conservation internship three years ago and bonded over their shared love for the backcountry. Their hunting trip was meant to be both a reunion and a new chapter in their lifelong connection to the outdoors.
A Painful Reminder
This tragic incident has reignited conversations around the dangers of remote wilderness travel, even for seasoned hikers and hunters. Authorities emphasized the importance of up-to-date GPS systems, emergency beacons, layered communication devices, and flexible plans that account for unpredictable mountain weather.
“Nature is beautiful but unforgiving,” said CPW Officer Jason Salazar, who coordinated much of the search effort. “Even the most prepared individuals can find themselves in dangerous situations. We urge anyone heading into backcountry areas to take every precaution and, when possible, travel in guided or well-supported groups.”
Community and Family Mourning
The deaths of Porter and Stasko have left two families in profound mourning, as well as a growing community of outdoor enthusiasts and friends who followed the search with hope. Vigils have already begun in Asheville and Salt Lake City, where friends and loved ones are gathering to remember two young men who lived boldly and died tragically.
In a joint statement, the families wrote:
“Andrew and Ian were doing what they loved. While our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing they found peace in the place they felt most alive. We want to thank every volunteer, every ranger, and every stranger who searched, prayed, and hoped with us. Please remember them not for how they died, but for how they lived—with love, purpose, and reverence for the natural world.”
A public memorial service is being planned in Colorado in the coming weeks.
In Memory of Two Bright Lights
While their loss is devastating, the memory of Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko will live on in the hearts of those they touched, and in the wild places they so cherished. Their story is one of friendship, passion, and a reminder of both the awe and danger that come with venturing into the great unknown.
🕯️ May their souls rest in peace among the forests, rivers, and skies they so deeply loved.
Leave a Reply