SABINE COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) - East Texas Game Wardens are searching for a college student who has been missing since Wednesday on Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Texas and Louisiana border.
Peyton Hughes, 21, a student enrolled at Campbellsville University in Kentucky, was pre-fishing for a Bassmaster Kayak Series event, set to take place September 27-28, when he was reported missing, the Texas Game Wardens said.
According to a statement by the Bass Anglers Sportsman’s Society, Hughes didn’t return to the launch point, the designated meeting place, on September 24. His travel partner contacted authorities. His kayak has been located, but he has so far been unaccounted for.
Multiple agencies from both Texas and Louisiana are assisting, including Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agents, Pendleton Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, Sabine County Sheriff’s Office, and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and their respective dive team.
The Cajun Navy, a group of volunteer private boat owners who conduct search and rescue operations, also said they were assisting with the search Friday morning. They released the following statement on their Facebook page:
“3:00 am came early. The boats are loaded and fixing to head to Texas to help search for Peyton Hughes the missing kayak fisherman. Pray that he is found today. Thank you and God bless.”
The game wardens report that no further information is available at this time and that their thoughts are with Peyton’s family and friends during this difficult time.