The remains of two missing elk hunters were found following a “massive” weeklong search, a Colorado-based Search & Rescue team confirmed Thursday, Sept. 18.

According to Saguache County Search & Rescue, Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25, “have been located deceased and recovery operations have been completed.” Both men, who were friends, arrived at Rio De Los Pinos Trail Head in Rio Grande National Forest for a hunting trip on Sept. 11.

“Saguache County Search and Rescue wishes to express our sincere condolences to the family of these young men,” the agency said in a Facebook post.

The Conejo County Sheriff’s Office reported finding the bodies of two unidentified men a few miles from the trailhead, but did not confirm their identities when asked by USA TODAY.

“The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are available pending identification and notification of next-of-kin,” Sheriff Garth Crowther said in a statement.

Conejos County Coroner Richard Martin declined to confirm the identities of the individuals, telling USA TODAY on Friday, Sept. 19, that an autopsy was still pending. An autopsy is scheduled to take place on Monday, Sept. 22 in El Paso County, at which time an official identification will be released.

Here’s what we know.

Saturday, Sept. 13 marks start of search for missing hunters

Deputies attempted to make contact with the men, who were elk hunting in the San Juan Wilderness Area, west of Trujillo Meadows Reservoir, on Sept. 13 after “they failed to check in with loved ones at a predetermined time.”

Bridget Murphy, Porter’s fiancée, contacted authorities after he failed to check in with her that day. According to reports from the local newspaper, the Valley Courier, Porter last communicated with Murphy on Sept. 18 using his Garmin InReach satellite communication device.

The vehicle the men had driven to the trailhead was found, but deputies were unable to immediately locate Porter, or Stasko. Backpacks and camping gear were found in the car, the sheriff’s office said.

Concerns about “heavy rain” and “bad weather” alarmed deputies, prompting a “massive search” for the men. From K-9 units to a personally owned Black Hawk Helicopter, multiple resources were deployed to assist in the search for Porter and Stasko. Search & Rescue team personnel and volunteers from across the country also combed the surrounding areas on foot and on horseback.

Missing hunter’s fiancée vowed never to give up

Murphy, who posted daily updates on her Facebook since the pair went missing, vowed on Sept. 17 that she and everyone involved in the search were not going to give up until they were found.

“Another morning. Andrew, and Ian, I will not stop until we find you. I will not give up,” Murphy wrote. “And these people today are ready to work as hard as possible to find you. We love you. We are here. We won’t stop. Everyone pray for these people going out Today, pray for their strength to keep going. To find our guys.”

Murphy continued: “It may not be legal yet but Andrew is my husband, my partner, other half. I want as many people on the ground as possible. Keep trying, checkin with officials and be safe. Thank you all Deeply.”

Lynne Runkle, who identified herself as a Porter’s aunt, created a GoFundMe to help raise funds for search and rescue efforts. The fundraiser, which is no longer accepting donations, raised over $78,000.

Runkle also shared an update on Thursday, Sept. 18, writing that “Andrew and Ian have both been found deceased.”

“Their bodies were discovered earlier today by Colorado Search and Rescue. I will provide another update tomorrow,” Runkle wrote. “Please keep Andrew’s and Ian’s families in your thoughts and prayers.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Two missing elk hunters found dead in Colorado: search team

Reporting by Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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