Family devastated by loss of Kentucky college student during kayak fishing tournament

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — A Kentucky family was left devastated on Friday morning, receiving the news that 21-year-old Peyton Hughes had died while participating in a kayak fishing tournament at Toledo Bend Lake along the border of Texas and Louisiana.

Adding to their heartbreak is the fact that Hughes died at the same age his father was when his life was taken while serving in Iraq, according to Hughes’ family.

A GoFundMe was set up on Sept. 26 to support Sara Hughes, Peyton’s mother, as she navigates funeral arrangements and other necessities in the aftermath of the sudden loss of her son, two decades after losing his father.

“To lose them both at the same age feels beyond imaginable. Peyton was full of love, laughter, and dreams that were taken far too soon,” the fundraiser’s description reads.

As of Saturday afternoon, the GoFundMe has reached nearly 98% of its goal.

Peyton’s family asked for prayers during this difficult time.