Authorities in Indiana are continuing their search for 18-year-old Carson Hughes of Osgood, Indiana, who was reported missing on Friday afternoon at Versailles State Park. Indiana conservation officers and the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office are leading the efforts to locate Hughes, who vanished around 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
Carson Hughes Missing Update
According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ripley County dispatch received the initial report of Hughes’ disappearance at Versailles Lake within the state park. Hughes’ vehicle was discovered unlocked with the keys still inside near the boat ramp, while his kayak was found on the water nearby.
Versailles State Park, the site of the search, is Indiana’s second-largest state park, boasting a 230-acre lake that provides opportunities for seasonal rentals of canoes and kayaks.
The Ripley County Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that over 150 volunteers are currently assisting in the search efforts at Versailles State Park. However, officials are urging the public to refrain from coming to the park unless they are already onsite.
Search and rescue teams have employed both land and water-based methods, utilizing thermal and side-scan sonar technologies in their efforts to locate Hughes. As night falls and conditions become increasingly hazardous, the search has been suspended until Saturday morning, with authorities vowing to resume their efforts at first light.
In the meantime, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to avoid the area as search operations continue.
Anyone with information regarding Carson Hughes’ whereabouts is urged to contact authorities at 812-837-9536.
As the search for Carson Hughes enters its second day, the community remains hopeful for his safe return, and authorities are tirelessly working to ensure that every effort is made to locate him swiftly.
Community’s Effort To Find Carson Hughes
Mia Lee Roberts shared: My cousin’s youngest son, Carson Hughes has now been missing for 24 hours. He was in Versailles State Park taking wildlife photos; something he has been doing for quite a while. They are still searching the park but he could be anywhere. He would not have left on his own or stayed gone this long. When he didn’t respond to his parents’ texts-as was their standing agreement that allowed him to go out alone responsibly-they knew something was wrong. Here are some recent photos.
Kaitlin Harrell posted: Prayers for this not so little kid anymore!! Carson Hughes was our ring bearer at our wedding and huge prayers for his family Jason and Mandy Hughes … he went missing yesterday and they’re still on the search for him… I’ve read about and seen our God do some pretty crazy miracles and He is the same God today! Please help me pray a miracle in finding him and for his family!!