Body of missing Kentucky college student found in Texas reservoir
Peyton Hughes, 21, went missing while fishing in a reservoir along the Texas-Louisiana border.
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — The body of a Kentucky college student who went missing after fishing in a reservoir along the Texas-Louisiana border has been found, according to authorities.
Peyton Hughes, 21, a student at Campbellsville University, was missing since Wednesday, Sept. 24, according to a Texas Game Wardens social media post.
On Friday, the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office in Hemphill, Texas, confirmed a body matching Hughes’ description was found.
Texas officials said Hughes was pre-fishing on Toledo Bend Reservoir for a Bassmaster Kayak Series event when he was reported missing.
The university said he did not return to the launch point after the tournament ended on Toledo Bend Lake in Hemphill, Texas.
Police said Hughes was reported missing around 8 p.m. Wednesday and the sheriff’s office immediately began searching for him using drones. The sheriff’s office said Hughes’ body was found near where authorities found his kayak.
The Texas Game Wardens also confirmed Hughes’ body was found. It is being transported to the medical examiner’s office in Beaumont for official identification, officials added.
Campbellsville University is located about 1.5 hours south of Louisville. Hughes is a member of the university’s Kayak Bass Fishing Team, according to a Campbellsville University Administration email sent Thursday to students and parents.
“Please join us in prayer as the search continues for Peyton and remember his family, teammates and friends,” university administration said.
Campbellsville also cancelled a Women’s Volleyball home game on Thursday, saying, “We ask that our Campbellsville University Community continue to pray for Peyton Hughes, his family, friends, and teammates as the search continues.”
Multiple agencies from both Texas and Louisiana are currently searching for Hughes, 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.
Authorities haven’t released any additional information at this time.
“Our thoughts are with Peyton’s family and friends during this difficult time,” the Texas Game Wardens said.
