Southern Colorado sheriff speaks after missing hunter found dead in Chaffee County

CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – A 27-year-old Salida man who went missing while hunting earlier this month was found dead over the weekend, bringing a dayslong search in rugged terrain near Mount Shavano to a close.

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office said Kaden Sites was found near Tabeguache Creek, about a mile and a half from where his truck was discovered near the Blanks Cabin Trailhead.

Sites had gone hunting alone April 15 and planned to return for a doctor’s appointment later that day, according to Sheriff Andy Rohrich. When Sites missed that appointment, family members alerted authorities, launching an extensive search effort that spanned more than a week.

Rohrich described the toll the operation took on both crews and loved ones.

“Very tired, our entire team is. I can only imagine how tired all the family and friends are.” Rohrich said.

Multiple agencies and volunteers assisted in the search, covering difficult terrain marked by steep hills, heavy brush and downed timber.

“We appreciate all our neighboring counties who jumped in when we needed them. They were amazing to work with and the family was so appreciative for their help,” Rohrich said.

Search crews faced significant challenges navigating the backcountry conditions.

“The terrain for sure. All very heavy brush, steep hills and a ton of down timber. Very dangerous. But, our teams and the volunteers were un-wavered by Mother Nature,” Rohrich said.

In a message to the Sites family, Rohrich expressed sympathy while acknowledging the difficult outcome.

“I am so sorry for their loss. I always had some level of hope we would bring their loved one home safe. The end result really stinks. I am confident that he was no longer with us when the search started which brings some level of relief to the teams that he was not suffering. We join the family in grieving this loss to our community,” he said.

Authorities said foul play is not suspected. The cause of death has not been released as the investigation continues.

Sites’ sister, Hannah, said the family is grateful for the outpouring of support and hopes people will consider donating to Chaffee County Search and Rescue after crews spent nearly two weeks searching for her brother. You can donate to the North and South teams here.