URGENT UPDATE: Two young elk hunters, Andrew Porter, 25, from Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stasko, 25, from Salt Lake City, have been confirmed dead after being struck by lightning in the Colorado mountains. Their bodies were discovered on September 18, 2023, just days after they went missing on September 12. This tragic incident highlights the deadly risks of outdoor activities during thunderstorms.
Authorities report that the pair was found approximately two miles from their parked vehicle near the Colorado-New Mexico border. Despite the absence of significant injuries, Conejos County Coroner Richard Martin indicated that the men showed slight burns consistent with a lightning strike. He explained that while the lightning likely did not directly strike them, it may have hit a nearby tree and traveled through them.
This incident marks a grim milestone as the 15th and 16th lightning fatalities in the United States for 2023, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. The deaths of Porter and Stasko are particularly distressing, as they are the second double fatality of the year, following the tragic loss of two teenagers in Georgia in July.
Coroner Martin noted that the absence of trauma does not diminish the severity of their deaths, stating, “The lightning probably caused instantaneous death.” Victims can suffer from internal injuries like cardiac arrest or arrhythmia from an electrical charge entering the body. This underscores the unpredictable and often lethal nature of lightning strikes.
The search for Porter and Stasko involved extensive efforts by local authorities, who were alerted when the men failed to check in with their families. Their disappearance sparked concern among loved ones, culminating in the search that led to this heartbreaking discovery.
This situation serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of safety precautions when engaging in outdoor activities. It also emphasizes the need for awareness regarding weather conditions, especially in mountainous regions where storms can develop rapidly.
As the investigation continues, it is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts to remain vigilant and informed about lightning safety. Authorities urge anyone planning to venture into similar areas to closely monitor forecasts and heed warnings.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
