Two Central Virginia natives found dead in Colorado, went missing while hunting

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Two Central Virginia natives who went missing nearly a week ago while hunting in Colorado have since been found dead, family says.

On Saturday, Sept. 13, 25-year-old Andrew Porter of Asheville, North Carolina and 25-year-old Ian Stasko of Salt Lake City, Utah, were elk hunting in the San Juan National Forest Wilderness Area in Colorado when they did not check in with their loved ones as expected.

According to the Conejos County Sheriff's Office, deputies arrived at the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead, where they found Porter and Stasko's vehicle abandoned. Camping gear and backpacks were found inside.

Stormy weather had deputies immediately concerned for the two men's safety, prompting authorities to swiftly launch a "massive search."

That search continued for several days. The multi-state effort utilized numerous resources, including drones, helicopters, search and rescue dogs and more. Dozens of teams staffed with both professionally-trained Search and Rescue personnel and volunteers were activated.

A family member told KDVR on Thursday, Sept. 19, that this search ended tragically, with both Porter and Stasko being found dead.

While authorities have confirmed that two bodies were found about 2 miles from the Rio De Los Pinos Trail Head on Thursday, the sheriff's office told ABC that, at this time, formal identification is pending.

CBS19 learned that Porter and Stasko were originally from the Charlottesville area, having graduated from Albemarle County High School in 2018.

No additional information, such as the cause or nature of their deaths, is available as of the time of reporting.