UPDATE: Sept. 27 at 11 a.m.
The mother of Peyton Hughes, Sara Hughes, released the following statement:
My heart is broken in ways I can’t put into words. Peyton wasn’t just my son — he was my joy, my laughter, and my pride. He had such a passion for fishing and life, and he chased his dreams with all his heart. His smile lit up every room, and his kindness left a mark on everyone who knew him.
I know he’s now with his dad, both taken far too soon, but it doesn’t make this pain any easier. Thank you to everyone who has lifted us in prayer, reached out, or shown support. It means more than you will ever know as we try to find our way through this unbearable loss.
A GoFundMe has also been set up for Peyton, which can be found here.
UPDATE: Sept. 26 at 10 a.m.
Sara Hughes, the mother of the Campbellsville University student who reportedly went missing in Texas while practicing for a fishing tournament, confirmed that her son's body has been found.
On Friday afternoon, the Texas Game Warden confirmed the news that the body of 21-year-old Peyton Hughes had been recovered.
"Our thoughts continue to be with Peyton's family, friends, teammates and fellow students at Campbellsville University during this difficult time," a post read.
UPDATE: Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.
Texas Game Wardens said on social media Thursday that the search for 21-year-old Peyton Hughes has stretched to include multiple agencies across Texas and Louisiana.
"Multiple agencies from both Texas and Louisiana are assisting, including Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agents, Pendleton Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, Sabine County Sheriff’s Office, and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and their respective dive team," the agency said.
The search for Hughes began on Wednesday in the Toledo Bend Reservoir.
UPDATE Sept 25 at 5:17 p.m.
Search crews are working around the clock to locate a Campbellsville University student who went missing in Texas while practicing for a fishing tournament.
Peyton Hughes, a sophomore at Campbellsville University and integral member of the college's kayak bass fishing team, disappeared Wednesday during solo practice on Toledo Bend Lake in Texas. The 21-year-old was preparing for an upcoming tournament when he failed to check in at a designated location as scheduled.
Hughes' mother, Sara Hughes, received the devastating news around midnight through calls and texts while she was sleeping.
"I woke up and saw a bunch of missed calls saying I needed to call right away. I called the game warden and he told me my son was missing," said Hughes.
Sara Hughes immediately began the 13-hour drive from Springfield, Kentucky to Hemphill, Texas, racing to join the search efforts for her son.
Game wardens from both Texas and Louisiana are actively searching for Hughes. His kayak has been located, but the student remains missing.
Campbellsville University released a statement to the campus community explaining the circumstances surrounding Hughes' disappearance. The statement confirmed that "his kayak was located, and local search and rescue teams have been actively working alongside law enforcement in the effort to find him."
This week, the college's kayak bass fishing team members were practicing individually across Toledo Bend Lake in preparation for their upcoming tournament. What began as routine practice for Hughes turned into a desperate search and rescue operation.
As search efforts continue, Sara Hughes made an emotional plea for support.
"Just please pray that we find him safe," said Hughes.
Original:
LEX 18 confirmed that a Campbellsville University student is missing after he did not return to the launch point at the end of a tournament in Texas. The university said his kayak was found and a search by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officers is underway.
Peyton Hughes failed to arrive at a designated meeting place on Sept. 24, leading his travel partner to contact authorities. The pair had been practicing for the Bassmaster Kayak Series event scheduled for Sept. 27-28.
TPWD officers have located the Hughes' kayak during their search efforts, but he remains missing. The search and investigation continue.
B.A.S.S. officials said their thoughts and prayers are with the angler's family, friends and fellow competitors during this difficult time. The organization remains in communication with TPWD and will provide updates as they become available from authorities.
