We usually hope for a happier outcome in a missing person’s case, but that was not the case with this one. The remains of a dad and son who went missing on a spring break trip were discovered in Arkansas. They went kayaking and never came back.
On March 16, this year, Chuck Morris and his son Charley were ready to kayak Beaver Lake. This was their last sighting alive. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office stated on Sunday, April 9, that their remains had been discovered following a 24-day search.
Missing Kayakers Recovered April 9, 2023 On March 16, 2023 the Benton County Sheriff’s Office began search efforts for…
Posted by Benton County Sheriff's Office on Sunday, 9 April 2023
On March 16, 2023, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office launched a search for two missing kayakers in the Beaver Lake region of S. Lost Bridge Village. Major Kenneth Paul oversaw the search efforts using various resources from around the country and coordinated the daily operations of these activities. Carroll County MDS and the Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue Team (CAM SAR) from Tennessee joined forces yesterday. They were able to use their underwater ROV in a difficult area with depths exceeding 180′, the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.
The remains of both Charles Morris IV (Chuck-Father) and Charles Morris V (Charley-son) have been found after 24 days of recovery attempts, thanks to technology and the efforts of all employees. Sheriff Holloway and Chuck and Charley’s families would like to thank all of the men and women who volunteered their time and efforts to assist, provide closure to the family, and retrieve the two lost men. Their hearts go out to the Morris family, and they are grateful today that they can offer closure, the message adds.
Chuck was well known as the Lotus’ percussionist. Charley was just 20 years old at the time. The family was expecting this result. The family issued a statement five days after the duo went missing, stating that the situation had progressed from search and rescue to recovery.
According to the family, all parties concerned are now in agreement as to the fate and likely whereabouts of Chuck and Charley. The weather and other variables combined to produce a perfect storm on the lake, which was unsurvivable. That was not the result they had hoped for.
As a family, they are terribly saddened but encouraged by the outpouring of love and tributes for Chuck and Charley, the family said. They requested individuals continue supporting the Lotus community, which was Chuck’s passion, as well as the Ohio Wesleyan University community, which Charley adored. These are the finest methods to commemorate their lives.
Jennifer Thompson, a mother and wife, talked about the heartbreaking occurrence. She verified that the family was on vacation over spring break. Chuck had just returned from a tour, and Charley was on vacation from college.
Chuck and Charley went kayaking on March 16 because a huge storm was on its way and they wanted to get out on the lake before it got too terrible. Rather, Jennifer and their 12-year-old daughter went into town. When the kayaks didn’t return home, she assumed they were having a good time. She became concerned as time passed and went to the lake to investigate. She called the cops when she couldn’t locate them.
What saved her from the start was that they died together; they were united, Jennifer said.
Lotus will perform four charity shows in memory of Chuck and Charley. These unique performances will honor the lives of Chuck and Charley, with 100% of the net revenues going to the Morris family, the band announced. Everyone was praying for a miracle. Although they are extremely saddened, they want to commemorate Chuck and Charley’s lives, their memories of them, and what they meant to so many others.
