Coroner: Missing Elk Hunters Found Deceased in Colorado Killed by Lightning

September 23, 2025

Authorities in Colorado have revealed that two hunters found dead in southern Colorado after a nearly weeklong search were killed by a lightning strike.

Preliminary findings reveal that Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25, died after being struck by lightning, Conejos County Coroner Richard Martin tells PEOPLE on Monday, Sept. 22, adding that their injuries were consistent with “a pretty intense electrical jolt.”

The full autopsy results detailing Stasko and Porter’s cause and manner of death will take about eight weeks to be released, but, Martin adds, “I’m telling you, that’s what it was.” People