Queensbury mourns the loss of a recent graduate and a fellow student after a tragic climbing accident in Colorado. Jackson Donlon, 20, who graduated from Queensbury High School in 2024 and was active on several school athletic teams, and 19‑year‑old Kaden Matsuda, a student at Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus, were discovered dead in a basin on West Apostle Mountain on Oct. 28.
Investigation details
According to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office, an autopsy confirmed that both men died instantly from multiple injuries sustained in the fall. Investigators said Donlon was beginning to rappel from an anchor attached to the rock when the anchor failed for an unknown reason. Matsuda was connected to the same anchor points, and both men fell a substantial distance. The exact distance of the fall could not be determined.
While a heavy snowstorm may have affected conditions on the mountain, officials stated that the storm did not directly contribute to the fatalities.
Community response
Queensbury High School principal Andrew Snide issued a statement expressing the school community’s heartbreak, noting that thoughts are with Donlon’s family, friends, and teachers during this difficult time. The school plans to hold a memorial service to honor Donlon’s memory and to support students coping with the loss.
Both families have asked for privacy as they grieve, and the community has rallied to provide support through local churches, youth groups, and counseling services.
Safety reminder
The accident underscores the importance of proper equipment checks and safety protocols when climbing in remote, high‑altitude environments. Outdoor recreation leaders in both Queensbury and Colorado have urged climbers to verify anchor integrity, monitor weather conditions, and climb with experienced partners.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the anchor failure, and any updates will be shared with the public as they become available.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
