Indiana community mourns the loss of a bright, young talent
At just 18 years old, Carson Hughes had a natural gift for capturing images of the world around him.
"The patience and the skill that it takes to do what he did is pretty remarkable," said Sam Melton, superintendent of the Jac-Cen-Del School District. "He was such in tune with nature that I could see that path for him definitely."
Fed Unsicker is the principal of Jac-Cen-Del Junior/Senior High School.
"He just loved being in nature," Unsicker said.
One thing he loved more than capturing the beauty of southeastern Indiana was sharing his work with others. Carson's father, Jason Hughes, told 바카라게임 his son's goal was to share his photos with the world.
Jason Hughes said they found a note in Carson's wallet with a "smart goal" of the year written on it. Carson's goal was to get 10,000 followers on his Carsonhughes_photography Instagram page. The page has now reached more than 20,000 followers.
Carson was reported missing from Versailles State Park last Friday. After three days of searching, his body was located in the lake. Indiana Conservation officers said they found Hughes in six feet of water Sunday evening. A preliminary coroner's report shows Hughes died from a cold water drowning. It's not clear how he ended up in the water, but his kayak and camera were found nearby.
People in Hughes' hometown of Osgood said they want the focus to be on how Carson lived his life.
Inside the classroom, Carson was known as a natural leader. He had plans on attending Purdue University.
"A quiet leader. He led by example. He wasn't in your face. He would just do what you're supposed to do, and people would follow him," Unsicker said.
Carson was a three-sport athlete. He played soccer, baseball and basketball.
"This kid loved everybody. Friends with everybody. Good student. Highest GPA on the basketball team," Unsicker said.
With just 72 students in this year's senior class, Carson's death is hitting everyone extremely hard.
"The thing that will get us through is community," Melton said.
On Monday, coaches walked the town of Osgood and hung red and blue ribbons on light posts in Carson's memory.
Loved ones hope Carson will live on through the images he created, as each one preserves a moment in time they can cherish forever.
Visitation for Carson Hughes will be held on Monday, March 25, from 12 -5 p.m. at Jac-Cen-Del High School Gym, with Funeral Services being held at 5 p.m. Online condolences may be placed at .