Body Of Missing Kentucky Angler, Peyton Hughes, Recovered In Texas’ Toledo Bend Reservoir

Heartbreaking news for the angler community.

Peyton Hughes, 21, a student at Campbellsville University in Kentucky, was reported missing on September 24 after practicing for the Bassmaster Kayak Series event, which is scheduled for September 27–28. Hughes was a sophomore at Campbellsville University and a member of the college’s kayak bass fishing team. Ahead of the Bassmaster series, the team traveled to Texas to practice. Hughes was reported missing when he failed to arrive at the designated meeting area while pre-practicing.

“I got calls and texts around midnight, but I was asleep. 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.”

Sara Hughes, Peyton’s mother, shared with WLWT5. After she got news that her son was missing, she drove from Springfield, Kentucky, to Hemphill, Texas, to help search efforts. Shortly after being reported missing, a search began on the Toledo Bend Reservoir, a 181,600-acre man-made reservoir on the Sabine River in Texas and Louisiana. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department began searching for Hughes and later found his kayak.

This morning, September 26, Hughes’ mother shared on Facebook that her son’s brother was found in the water around 7:15 am local time.

“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.”

A spokesperson for Campbellsville University and game wardens with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also confirmed Hughes’ death, reported the Lexington Herald Leader.

“Our thoughts continue to be with Peyton’s family, friends, teammates, and fellow students at Campbellsville University during this difficult time.”

Shared the Texas wardens ‘ statement.

Since news of Hughes’ death broke, numerous fishing outlets and organizations have shared their deep condolences for the Hughes family and penned touching tributes to the talented angler.

“Our entire B.A.S.S. family is heartbroken by the loss of Peyton Hughes. Peyton was a passionate and talented young angler with a bright future ahead of him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and the Campbellsville University community. Peyton’s family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this devastating time.”

Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S., wrote in a social media post.

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The Bluegrass Kayak Anglers also shared a touching tribute, noting that he was an “elite angler.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with Peyton Hughes’ family at this time. Rest in peace.The post Body Of Missing Kentucky Angler, Peyton Hughes, Recovered In Texas’ Toledo Bend Reservoir first appeared on Whiskey Riff.