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.
Local News
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.