"He was doing what he loved": Kentucky mom mourns son lost in fishing tragedy

Sara Hughes reached out to me to share more about her son Peyton and the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

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For Peyton Hughes, fishing wasn't just a hobby- it was his passion. His mom Sara Hughes told me her son died doing what he loved, though that doesn't ease the pain.

The 21-year-old Campbellsville University student died in a fishing accident in Texas last week.

Peyton Hughes' body was recovered Friday morning from Toledo Bend Reservoir near Hemphill, Texas, three days after he went missing while participating in a kayak fishing tournament.

"My son Peyton was full of life, loved fishing more than anything, and was doing what he loved when this tragedy happened," his mother, Sara, shared with me. "He was a kind soul who cared deeply about his family and friends, and he will always be remembered for his big smile and passion for the outdoors."

Hughes, who was on the Campbellsville University Kayak Fishing Team, had traveled to Texas to compete in the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series. He was last seen around 8 p.m. on September 24 during pre-fishing activities before the tournament was set to begin.

When his fishing coach reported him missing, authorities from Texas and Louisiana launched a massive three-day search involving dive teams, game wardens, fire departments, drone operators, and countless volunteers.

Searchers found Hughes' kayak on an island in an area known as Alligator Cove, along with his baseball cap and a flip-flop. On Friday morning, dive teams from the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Office discovered his body about 200 yards from where the kayak was found.

"Fishing was his greatest passion- he was on the Campbellsville University Kayak Fishing Team and spent every chance he had on the water," Sara said. "He worked hard, played sports all through high school, and cared deeply for his family and friends."

She said her family is heartbroken but wants people to remember Peyton for who he was.

"Peyton was doing what he loved when this accident happened, and while our hearts are broken, we want people to remember him for his kindness, his love for the outdoors, and the joy he brought to everyone around him," she said.

Peyton lost his father, Jonathan Adam Hughes, as an infant when he was serving our country in Iraq. He was a graduate of Washington County High School, where he was a member of the fishing and basketball teams.

He was a senior at Campbellsville University and employed with Paradise Pools in Bardstown.

The Sabine County Sheriff's Office extended condolences to Hughes' family, his teammates, and the entire Campbellsville University community.

"We 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 the Campbellsville University, during this difficult time," Sheriff George Griffith said.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death. The investigation is ongoing.

For the Hughes family back in Kentucky, the loss of Peyton leaves a hole that can never be filled- a young man taken too soon while pursuing the passion that defined him.

"We're heartbroken, but we want people to know how much he meant to us and how much he'll be missed," his mother said.

Funeral services for Peyton Gage Hughes will be conducted at 2:00 pm Monday, October 6, 2025 at River of Life Community Church. Visitation will be from 10:00 am till time of services at 2:00 pm on Monday, October 6, 2025 at River of Life Community Church, 1250 Highway 555 in Springfield.

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