Two elk hunters, Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25, were confirmed to have been killed by a lightning strike while hunting in the Rio Grande National Forest near the Colorado-New Mexico border in early September 2025. The hunters were found dead after a nearly weeklong search effort, with authorities confirming the cause of death based on findings from Conejos County Coroner Richard Martin, who noted slight burns consistent with a lightning strike and described the deaths as instantaneous. Their fiancée, Bridget Murphy, confirmed the cause of death in a social media post, stating they were caught in a storm on September 12 while attempting to return to their vehicle.
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The hunters were experienced outdoorsmen who went missing on September 12, 2025, during a storm.
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Their bodies were discovered below a tree, with only a few minor burns, indicating a lightning strike.
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The coroner stated the deaths were likely instantaneous, with no time for fear or pain.
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The incident occurred in the Rio Grande National Forest, southwest of Monte Vista, Colorado.