Colorado – A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the small communities of Asheville, North Carolina, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Two lifelong friends, Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko (both 25), set out on a hunting trip in the remote Rio Grande National Forest and never returned.
After nearly a week of intensive search efforts involving aircraft, drones, tracking dogs, and dozens of volunteers, rescue teams finally located the young men about two miles from the trailhead where their truck had been parked.
According to Conejos County Coroner Richard Martin, the cause of death was determined to be a direct lightning strike that likely killed them instantly.
When the bodies were recovered, family members broke down in tears. Their faces were partially burned, their hair singed, and some of their clothing had melted from the intense heat. “We couldn’t hold back the tears,” one parent said, “seeing our boys like that was the hardest moment of our lives.”
Authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play or struggle. The tragedy is being treated as a natural accident. Experts are reminding outdoor enthusiasts to stay alert for sudden thunderstorms and avoid seeking shelter under tall trees.
“They loved the outdoors. They were careful. But no one could have predicted this,” a relative shared, their voice breaking.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable dangers of the wilderness — even for the most experienced hunters.