The search effort is underway to locate two elk hunters who went missing in the San Juan National Forest Wilderness Area in southwestern Colorado. They were last reported seen on Saturday.
According to reports from the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived at the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead to meet with the two hunters who were overdue, as reported by KDVR, a local Denver affiliate.
The missing individuals are Andrew Porter, from Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stasko, of Salt Lake City, both aged 25. They were considered missing when they failed to check in with their families at an agreed-upon time, according to the sheriff’s office.
Although the deputies did not find the hunters, they located their vehicle, camping equipment, and backpacks. Subsequently, an extensive search and rescue mission has been launched, employing aerial support, ground search teams, canine units, drone teams, ATVs, and assistance from local volunteers.
Reports indicate that the hunters’ families have not heard from them since Sept. 11.
Hunter’s fiancé requests additional assistance, offers $10,000 reward
Porter’s fiancé, Bridget Murphy, has posted multiple times on social media since the hunters went missing, requesting additional assistance.
“We NEED more able-bodied search individuals and teams immediately. If you have experience and the necessary equipment—thermal drones, laser lanterns, or horses—please contribute your help. Every pair of eyes and hands can make a difference,” she urged.
Murphy also highlighted that although the two are experienced hunters, they may have encountered “bad cold storms and fog.”
In one of the posts, Murphy announced a reward of $10,000 for the person or people who locate the two hunters.
Murphy provided descriptions of the hunters as “both 6-foot tall, physically fit men with dirty blonde and light brown hair.” Anyone who might have information regarding the hunters’ location is encouraged to reach out to the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office by calling 719-589-5807.
A GoFundMe was also created to aid in the search efforts and, at the time of this reporting, has raised over $65,000.
Local affiliate KDVR contributed to this report
