Authorities in Colorado say two hunters who went missing during an elk hunting trip were killed by a lightning strike. Conejos County Coroner Richard Martin confirmed that preliminary findings show Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25, were struck while in the Rio Grande National Forest.
Martin described their injuries as consistent with “a pretty intense electrical jolt,” noting small burn marks typical of lightning-related injuries. Full autopsy reports are expected within eight weeks to officially confirm the cause and manner of death. Porter and Stasko were reported missing on September 13 after failing to return from the Rio de Los Pinos Trailhead.