This isn’t the outcome anyone was hoping for…
Charles “Chuck” Morris IV, 47, a member of the electronica band Lotus, was found dead, along with his son, three weeks after they went missing.
Related: Boyfriend Arrested After Missing Woman’s Body Found Burned & Scattered
According to law enforcement, the bodies of Chuck and his son, Charles “Charley” Morris V, 20, were recovered in a reservoir in northwest Arkansas. In their official statement on Facebook Sunday, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office said in part:
“After 24 days of recovery efforts, the bodies of both Charles Morris IV (Chuck-Father) and Charles Morris V (Charley-son) have been recovered thanks to the technology and efforts by all personnel. Sheriff Holloway, along with the family of Chuck and Charley, would like to thank all the men and women who donated their time and efforts to help bring closure to the family and recover the two missing men … Our heart goes out the family of Chuck and Charley Morris and we are thankful today that we can help bring closure.”
So, so sad. You can see the full post (below):
Chuck joined Lotus in their early days, back in 2001, just as they were making the move to the instrumental “jam band” oeuvre. He remained their percussionist for two decades.
In case you weren’t aware, Chuck and his son Charley were reported missing last month after they failed to return from a kayaking trip. The local authorities started rescue efforts on March 16 — but with no luck. They officially moved to a recovery operation on March 21, according to the band’s official Instagram page:
“We were all hoping for a miracle, but at this point, the search for Chuck and Charley has moved to a recovery … While we are deeply grieving, we plan to celebrate Chuck and Charley’s lives, our memories with them, and what they meant to so many people.”
On Sunday, the Morris family finally got some closure. They said in a statement on Lotus’ Instagram (before it was confirmed Chuck’s body had also been found alongside Charley’s):
“Our family was informed by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office that Charley Morris has been found. We have concluded the cause of his death was drowning. The teams are still actively searching for Chuck Morris, but we continue to have faith in their work.”
You can read the full statement (below):
The grieving family has also opened a GoFundMe to cover end of life and recovery costs, as well as the band hosting a few benefit concerts to raise money for the cause. In the description of the fundraiser, organizer Jen Lamboy and family member Amelia wrote in honor of the late 20-year-old:
“My beautiful boy will be forever missed. His light, beauty, wit and intellect will reside in my heart forever. Thank you for the love and support. Amelia and I feel it every day.” –Jenny
“Charley is my brother and will always be. I feel his presence overlooking me and laughing at my foolish mistakes. Our memories will forever be cherished in my heart.” — Amelia
Just heartbreaking. If you’d like to donate to the family, you can click HERE.
Such terrible news, we were all hoping they’d be found safe… At least recovery teams were able to give the family some closure. May Chuck and Charley rest in peace.
[Image via GoFundMe]
