JUST IN | A Kentucky college student who disappeared while fishing in Texas has been found dead.
A Kentucky college student who went missing while fishing in Texas has been found dead, authorities and his family have confirmed. (People.com)
Peyton Hughes, 21, a sophomore at Campbellsville University and a member of the school’s kayak bass fishing team, disappeared on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, during pre‑fishing for a Bassmaster Kayak Series event at Toledo Bend Reservoir, which sits on the border between Texas and Louisiana. (People.com)
His disappearance was first reported when his kayak failed to arrive at a designated meeting place, prompting his travel partner to contact authorities. The search was launched by Texas Game Wardens, with assistance from multiple agencies in both Texas and Louisiana.
According to reports, his mother, Sara Ashley Hughes, learned about the disappearance early on Thursday and drove 13 hours from Kentucky to Texas while the search efforts continued. (LEX 18 News – Lexington, KY (WLEX))
Tragically, the body of Peyton Hughes was recovered on Friday, September 26, 2025, in the lake. His mother confirmed through social media that his body had been found. (https://www.wkyt.com)
Campbellsville University officials, teammates, and peers have expressed deep sorrow, and the university canceled athletic events as the search was ongoing. (People.com)
Further details, including the cause of death, have not been released as of the latest reports. Authorities continue to investigate to determine the full circumstances surrounding his death. (People.com)