Tragic Incident: Two Young Elk Hunters Killed by Lightning Strike in Colorado
A devastating incident occurred in Colorado, where two young elk hunters, Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25 years old, were found fatally struck by lightning. The incident took place in the San Juan Wilderness Area, where the two men were reported missing on September 13 after failing to check in with their loved ones.
FILE: Incredible video coming from South Carolina shows the moment when a bolt of lightning caused a spectacular explosion and fire in Mount Pleasant on Monday, Aug, 11, 2025.
Search Efforts and Investigation
A massive search operation was conducted, involving air operations, multiple counties, dog teams, horseback rides, drones, and volunteers. The search efforts grew to include the New Mexico State Police and La Plata County Search and Rescue Teams, along with volunteers from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Wyoming, and numerous other counties across Colorado and the nation.
On left, Andrew Porter, 25, of Asheville, North Carolina, and on right, Ian Stasko, 25, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
(FOX Weather)
The bodies of the two men were recovered on September 18 at 11 a.m. near the Rio De Los Pinos Trail Head. According to the Conejos County Coroner Richard Martin, both men were killed by a lightning strike. Porter’s fiancee, Bridget Murphy, stated that the pair died trying to get back to their car on September 12 when the storms rolled in.
Lightning Safety and Statistics
According to the National Lightning Safety Council, the young hunters’ deaths are the 15th and 16th U.S. lightning fatalities this year and the first in Colorado this year. Colorado ranks third in terms of lightning deaths, with 27 in nearly 20 years, following Florida with 92 and Texas with 42. The Council also reported that these are only the 4th and 5th lightning deaths related to hunting since 2006.
A GoFundMe started by Porter’s aunt, Lynne Runkle, has raised nearly $80,000 for the search efforts, which will now go toward covering funeral expenses for the friends. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of lightning safety and the need for awareness and precautions during severe weather conditions.
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Image Source: www.foxweather.com
