Missing angler’s body recovered in Toledo Bend Reservoir search

SABINE COUNTY, Texas (KTRE) - The body of a college student who went missing on Toledo Bend Reservoir has been recovered, the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office said.

Peyton Hughes, 21, a student enrolled at Campbellsville University in Kentucky, had been pre-fishing Wednesday for a Bassmaster Kayak Series event, set to take place Sept. 27-28, when he was reported missing.

According to a statement by the Bass Anglers Sportsman’s Society, Hughes didn’t return to the launch point, the designated meeting place Wednesday night.

Game wardens and law enforcement agencies from both Texas and Louisiana began searching for Hughes after his fishing coach reported him missing, according to a Sabine County Sheriff’s Office release. His kayak was found that day, banked on an island east of the Alpine Marina boat launch, in an area known as Alligator Cove.

The search was suspended after midnight Wednesday, picked up before sunrise Thursday, and paused again after dark before his body was discovered around 7:30 a.m. Friday near an island 200 yards north of where his kayak was discovered, the sheriff’s office release said.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said in a statement that Hughes’s body was recovered around 7:15 a.m. Friday by the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office, Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and Texas Game Wardens.

An autopsy has been ordered.

“Our thoughts continue to be with Peyton’s family, friends, teammates and fellow students at Campbellsville University during this difficult time,” the TPWD statement said.

The sheriff’s office also addressed those affected by Hughes’ death.

“The Sabine County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our heart felt 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.”