Lightning strike kills two elk hunters in Colorado, coroner says
Conejos County coroner confirms Andrew Porter and Ian Stanko died instantly during a backcountry elk hunt; autopsy results expected in weeks, with a week-long search preceding the discovery.
Two 25-year-old elk hunters were found dead in the Colorado wilderness after a week-long disappearance, and a local coroner has determined they were killed by a lightning strike. The men, Andrew Porter of Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stanko of Salt Lake City, Utah, were found at the Rio de los Pinos trailhead in Conejos County within a National Forest. The coroner said the deaths were instantaneous and noted only minor burns on the bodies. Autopsy results are not yet complete, with officials saying a full report will take roughly eight weeks, though preliminary findings support the lightning-strike conclusion.
The hunters were last in contact around 3 p.m. on Sept. 11, when Porter shared his location via a satellite device with his fiancée. A week-long, intensive ground and air search followed, involving multiple rescue teams in a remote area known for rugged terrain. The remains were recovered around 11 a.m. on Thursday after authorities and volunteers had combed the region for days. Porter’s fiancée later posted updates on social media reflecting the couple’s gratitude for the efforts of rescuers and hope that they would be found. Porter’s aunt had previously launched a GoFundMe to assist with expenses and to raise awareness about the disappearance of the two outdoorsmen.
The two young men were described by family and friends as seasoned outdoorsmen with extensive backcountry experience. Porter, a regular in outdoor circles, and Stanko had recently spent time in the region for elk hunting. In the GoFundMe and related posts, relatives emphasized their preparedness and love of the outdoors, while expressing heartbreak over the sudden loss and gratitude for those who searched and supported them during the weeklong effort. The coroner’s office did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
Coroner Richard Martin of Conejos County said the deaths occurred so quickly that determining the precise moment of death would be difficult, and he emphasized that lightning can cause immediate fatalities with little time for reaction in backcountry settings. He indicated that additional autopsy results would be released in about eight weeks, but he remained confident in the preliminary determination that a ground lightning strike was responsible for Porter and Stanko’s deaths. The confirmation comes as weather conditions in mountain backcountry areas can change rapidly, presenting hazards to hikers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The tragedy underscores the dangers that lightning and severe weather pose to backcountry travelers, particularly in remote areas where rapid access to medical care and shelter is limited. Officials noted that Rio de los Pinos is a remote trailhead within a National Forest, where storms can move quickly and visibility may deteriorate in rugged terrain. While authorities did not indicate any violations or wrongdoing, the incident has reverberated across outdoor communities that routinely navigate unpredictable weather during hunting seasons and other activities. Local authorities continue to review the case as autopsy results are finalized and investigators assess the sequence of events surrounding the hunters’ disappearance and the subsequent rescue operation.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to reiterate safety guidance for backcountry travelers, including heed to weather forecasts, planning for shelter during storms, and carrying navigation and emergency signaling equipment. The Colorado environment remains a dynamic and sometimes hazardous backdrop for outdoor recreation, particularly as storm systems develop rapidly in higher elevations.
The case follows a broader pattern in which lightning and weather-related incidents have led to fatalities in remote forests and mountains, highlighting the ongoing need for preparedness and timely weather awareness among outdoor participants. Investigators and researchers note that backcountry weather can be highly variable, and even experienced outdoorsmen can be caught in dangerous conditions despite prudent planning. The coroner’s office will release the full autopsy report in the coming weeks, which will provide further detail on the circumstances and any contributing factors observed during examination.
Porter and Stanko’s families have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from their communities and the rescue teams that participated in the search. The incident serves as a somber reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of staying informed about weather and safety when venturing into remote environments.
