3-day search for missing Osgood teen has tragic outcome

Carson Hughes: If a picture is worth a thousand words, this young man has told many lifetimes through his camera lens, sharp eye, patience, and ability to get the most out of every shot.

Carson Hughes, 18, of Osgood, was reported missing on Friday, March 15 at approximately 1 p.m. Closely in touch, Jason, Carson’s dad, knew something was not right when Carson missed a check in and did not respond to a call.

Jason went directly to where he knew Carson was at, in the Versailles State Park (VSP). Upon arriving, Jason purveyed the scene. Jason knew something bad had happened. He immediately notified the police and his wife, Carson’s mom, Mandy.

As soon as DNR and Law Enforcement Officers started arriving they established a boundary to maintain the area under investigation. Before 2 p.m. there was crime scene tape from one side of the loading/unloading area to the other, blocking off the boat ramp area and immediate area around it.
Some of the supporters joined in teams of two or more and searched along and beyond trails. Others went out to US-50 and worked their way back to the lake area.

Friday evening was fraught with anxiety, anger, and panic; some in cycles, at times, all at once. People from every corner of the community were out to pray, offer support, and hold vigil just beyond that ‘crime-scene tape’ boundary.

Jac-Cen-Del had the gymnasium doors open all weekend for prayer vigils. Many JCD students were at the lake scene Friday by 3 p.m. As word spread, more and more family, friends, and community members showed up.

To see the efforts end Friday evening with the enveloping darkness of night was both beyond painful and a relief. This was followed closely by more anxiety and desperate prayers as the Friday efforts closed.

The crowd of supporters and on-lookers, too numerous to count, were hushed. All have been affected by Carson and the Hughes family in many good ways. To know Carson in passing is to feel you know him well. He was that sincere, open, and caring.

Friday ended, hushed and reverent. Jason and Mandy stood supporting each other and addressed the still large crowd.

Jason then shared gratitude for all who showed up. He thanked those who walked trails and the lake edges. Jason explained the search would be discontinued as soon as the light completely failed.

Saturday morning brought renewed efforts and more hope. The community responded in mass. Over 150 people checked in to join the search. So many that the Indiana DNR requested no more people should come to the park on Saturday afternoon. DNR also said this might be an extensive search.

Saturday’s search efforts concentrated on trails and surrounding areas that the volunteers could help canvas. More of the same techniques used on Friday with drones equipped to enhance likelihood of finding Carson.

Each day there were: helicopter(s), boats equipped with sonar, dive teams (some from northern IN, Hamilton Co. and Cincinnati, OH). There were local divers, rescue personnel, and first responders at the scene. Rescue crews responded from various parts of the U.S (a complete list of assisting departments can be found on Indiana DNR website).

Saturday closed with no word or sign of Carson. Sunday morning search crews again revived their efforts. Extensive efforts were made on both the lake and surrounding areas each day.

Sunday appeared to be closing the same as the previous days. But, at 6:50 p.m. Carson Hughes’ body was found in six feet of water in the VSP Lake. Conservation Officer Divers, using sonar, were able to recover his body. Carson was pronounced dead at the scene. There is an autopsy pending. No cause of death is known.

Carson was doing what he loved, at the place he loved the most. He posted many times how much being in VSP meant to him. He posted praises on many photo shoot social media posts. It appeared Carson felt extremely close to God while in nature.

We encourage the community to continue to keep the Hughes family in your thoughts and prayers.

Editor’s Note: We will carry obituary information as soon as this becomes available.