Two college students are found dead side by side on a Colorado mountain after a snowstorm hit their hike

Kaden Matsuda, 19, of Ridgway, Colorado, and Jackson Donlon, 20, of New York, were found lying next to each other in a basin of West Apostle Mountain on Wednesday afternoon by a search team of around 60 volunteers, drones and dogs. The pair had left Colorado Mountain College's Leadville campus on Friday October 23, texting friends a map showing their route up Ice Mountain — a nearly 14,000ft peak described by the sheriff's office as a very technical climb even when dry. Autopsies are pending and no foul play is suspected.

Rain turned to heavy snow during their hike, leaving eight inches on their car at the trailhead and covering their tent near Lake Ann.

Sheriff Andy Rohrich said: 'Although this is a gut punch, our prayers were answered that we would find Kaden and Jackson, allowing some closure for the family.'

The sheriff's office noted Ice Mountain is 'recommended for very experienced hikers' and the pair were described as experienced, with appropriate clothing.