Missing college student found dead after Texas fishing event at Toledo Bend Reservoir

SABINE COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — The Texas Game Wardens have confirmed that 21-year-old college student Peyton Hughes’ body was recovered on Friday at 7:15 a.m. after he went missing on Wednesday in the Toledo Bend Reservoir.

His body was recovered near the Alpine Marina 35 hours after he was reported missing by his fishing coach after he did not return to the launch point at the end of a tournament.

Hughes was involved in the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series, taking part in the pre-fishing activities before the tournament began. He was also a member of the Campbellsville University fishing team, which was participating as well.

The search began on Wednesday night, involving deputies from the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Game Wardens and additional law enforcement agencies assisting in the effort.

“Hughes’ kayak was recovered, banked, on an island, several hundred yards East of the Alpine marina boat lunch, in an area that locals refer to as Alligator Cove,” The Sabine County Sheriff’s Office said. “Searchers also recovered Hughes’ baseball cap.”

The search concluded shortly after midnight on Wednesday. Thursday morning, it resumed before dawn, with the assistance of additional agencies. Late in the day, a sandal was discovered in the same area where the kayak had been located. The search was called off yet again as it became dark.

On Friday morning at around 7:30 a.m., dive teams from the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office recovered his body in the general area of the island, about 200 yards north of where the kayak was found.

A Justice of the Peace has ordered an autopsy, and the body was taken to the Forensic Medical Management of Texas in Beaumont.

“The Sabine County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Hughes, as well as to his teammates, coaching staff, students, and the facility of Campbellsville University during this difficult time,” The Sabine County Sheriff’s Office said.

“Peyton is gone to be in Heaven with his dad, who died fighting for our country,” the United Cajun Navy, who helped with the search on Friday, said. “Thanks to everyone who assisted in the search.”

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