ANDREW PORTER and IAN STASKO died in a fatal Conejos County lightning strike

ANDREW PORTER and IAN STASKO died in a fatal Conejos County lightning strike

The official cause of death for the two missing hunters, located after an extensive search in southern Colorado, has been confirmed as struck by lightning.

Deputies confirmed that Andrew Porter, who is 25 and from Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stasko, who is 25 and from Salt Lake City, Utah, succumbed to injuries caused by a lightning strike.

Search and rescue efforts were activated for Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko located in Conejos County following a report from loved ones indicating a lack of contact with the men.

A significant search operation commenced on September 13th at the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead after law enforcement advised that the two individuals, who were engaged in elk hunting within the San Juan Wilderness Area, did not check in as expected.

Upon arrival at the trailhead, authorities discovered their vehicle, containing most of their equipment, but found no sign of Porter or Stasko.

Immediate search and rescue activities were initiated by the sheriff’s office. This involved air support, multi-county and state ground teams, K9 units, drone operations, all-terrain vehicles, and local volunteers participating in a comprehensive search effort.