Lightning strike kills missing NC man and friend on Colorado hunting trip, officials say

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Officials say a North Carolina man who disappeared along with his friend while on a hunting trip died from a lightning strike.

According to ABC11 affiliate WLOS, earlier this month, the Conejos Sheriff's Office responded to the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead to try and make contact with Andrew Porter, 25, of Asheville and Ian Stasko, 25, of Salt Lake City, Utah, who failed to check in with loved ones at a predetermined time during an elk hunting trip west of Trujillo Meadows Reservoir.

The two men were found dead beneath a large tree. According to the coroner, random burn marks were found on the victims, indicating electricity stopped their hearts and brains.

The National Weather Service said lightning is attracted to long tall objects to discharge their electricity.

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