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A lightning strike has been ruled the preliminary cause of death for the two hunters found dead in Colorado.
Richard Martin, the Coroner of Conejos County, has communicated his findings to several media organizations. He indicated that the deaths of Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko were instantaneous in nature.
“It’s like you’re alive, and now you’re not,” Martin told The Colorado Sun. “Just that quick. Split second.”
Martin said the men, both 25, were found under a tree with slight burns on their bodies.
Deputies said they located the car the men drove to trailhead, along with camping gear and backpacks. (GoFundMe)
Authorities reported that Porter, hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, and Stasko, a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah, “were overdue after embarking on an elk hunting trip.” They were in possession of a satellite device, but according to Porter’s aunt, Lynne Runkle, it was “not operational.”
The two hunters were in the San Juan Wilderness Area near Trujillo Meadows Reservoir, as reported by the CCSO. Their vehicle was discovered parked at the Los Pinos trailhead.
Over 54 search and rescue teams participated in efforts to locate the hunters in the San Juan Wilderness Area, close to Trujillo Meadows Reservoir, officials reported. (GoFundMe)
The CCSO noted, “Camping gear and backpacks were discovered in the vehicle, causing concern due to severe rain and adverse weather conditions,” in last week’s news release.
On Monday, Runkle announced on the GoFundMe page she started, “Given the evolving situation, we will now allocate the remaining funds — initially earmarked for search and rescue operations — to contribute towards memorial services for Andrew and Ian and to assist their families through this challenging period.”
As of Tuesday morning, the GoFundMe page has raised nearly $79,000.
