(CONEJOS COUNTY, Colo.) — Two elk hunters found dead last week were killed when a tree they were standing near was struck by lightning, a coroner confirmed to ABC News. While the two hunters were not directly hit by lightning, the electricity traveled down through the tree and then struck Porter and Stasko, according to Martin. “Do not stand under a tall tree during a lightning storm,” Martin advised. The two hunters were first reported missing on Sept. 13 after they failed to check in with family. The Trujillo Meadows Reservoir is a 69-acre wildlife area in the Conejos Region, according to the U.S. Forest Service.