The body of Peyton Hughes, a college fisherman from Kentucky who had been missing, was found at Toledo Bend.

 In a devastating development, officials discovered the remains of 22-year-old Peyton Hughes, a participant in the kayak fishing team at Campbellsville University, in Toledo Bend Reservoir, which sits on the Texas–Louisiana border, on Friday morning.

After his fellow traveler went missing during a pre-tournament fishing trip, Hughes, who hailed from Kentucky, was reported unaccounted for on September 24, 2025. Initial searches by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) led to the discovery of Hughes’ kayak, but the young fisherman could not be found.

Sara Ashley Hughes, the mother of Hughes, openly shared her grief and confirmed the finding, stating, "Oh NOOO, my baby is gone." His body was retrieved from the water this morning. My beloved son is now reunited with his father, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Adam and Peyton Hughes, you are dearly cherished! God, my heart aches so deeply!

Hughes was preparing to participate in the Bassmaster Kayak Series event scheduled for September 27–28. The search efforts, involving TPWD and local personnel, included thorough sweeps of the reservoir with boats and advanced technology. During the extensive search, friends, family members, and the broader kayak fishing community stayed attentive to any updates.

The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, known as B.A.S.S., expressed their condolences, underscoring Hughes' dedication to fishing and the void left in the competitive kayak fishing realm. Those close to him remember him as a young man whose life tragically ended too soon, a devoted son, and a passionate fisherman.

As the community at Campbellsville University mourns the loss of one of its promising young athletes, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hughes’ death.