Local News
Body of Missing Kentucky College Angler Peyton Hughes Recovered at Toledo Bend in Texas
The search for 22-year-old Peyton Hughes, a Campbellsville University student and member of the school’s kayak fishing team, has come to a heartbreaking end.
Hughes, originally from Kentucky, was reported missing on September 24, 2025, after he failed to meet up with his travel partner while fishing on Toledo Bend Reservoir, a massive lake that stretches across the Texas–Louisiana border.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), officers initially located Hughes’ kayak during the first stages of the search but found no trace of the young angler.
On Friday morning, Hughes’ mother, Sara Ashley Hughes, confirmed that recovery teams had located her son’s body in the lake.
“Oh NOOO my baby is gone,” she wrote in a public post. “They recovered his body this morning in the lake. Please pray for us. My sweet boy is gone to be with his Daddy who died fighting for this country. I love you Peyton Hughes & Adam! Oh gosh I’m hurting so bad!”
Hughes was well-known in the competitive kayak fishing community and was preparing to represent Campbellsville University in the upcoming Bassmaster Kayak Series tournament, scheduled for September 27–28 on Toledo Bend.
He and a travel companion had been on the water pre-practicing ahead of the event.
When Hughes did not arrive at their agreed meeting point, his companion immediately notified authorities, triggering a multi-agency search operation.
TPWD led the search with assistance from local crews, using boats and specialized equipment to comb the reservoir.
The search intensified as days passed, with family, friends, and the wider fishing community following updates closely.
During the early stages, Hughes’ mother pleaded publicly for support:
“PLEASE keep my son, Peyton Hughes, and everyone searching for him in your thoughts and prayers. He was in Louisiana fishing with the Campbellsville University Kayak Fishing Team and is currently missing. We are holding onto hope. My Mama heart is very heavy right now. I am asking for prayers, positive thoughts, and any support as the search continues.”
In a statement, B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) confirmed that Hughes had been registered to compete in the Toledo Bend event and said they were in direct communication with TPWD throughout the search.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and extend our thoughts and prayers to Peyton’s family, friends, and the Campbellsville University community,” the organization said.
Hughes’ death is not only a loss for his family but also for the tight-knit world of college and competitive kayak fishing.
Loved ones describe him as a passionate angler, a devoted son, and a young man whose life ended far too soon.
His mother shared that he is now reunited with his late father, Adam Hughes, who died serving his country.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.