A search is underway for percussionist Chuck Morris of the Denver-based band “Lotus” and his 20-year-old son Charley.
Morris and Charley went missing while kayaking in Arkansas, and have not been seen since March 16, according to FOX31 Denver.
The band’s Twitter account delivered the grave news on Wednesday, telling fans that their search and rescue effort is now being called a recovery mission, adding that a K-9 team has been deployed to help find them.
“We were all hoping for a miracle, but at this point, the search for Chuck & Charley has moved to a recovery,” the stark announcement read.
The Post reached out to the band as well as the Benton County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
“With help from K9 teams, there is a probable location on the lake, but logistical challenges including temp, weather, and depth have prevented a recovery thus far,” the message continued.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office told FOX31 that the father and son pair set out for the trip at around 11 a.m on the 16th, and were scheduled to return that same day at around 2 p.m. A call was made to the police at around 4 p.m.
We were all hoping for a miracle, but at this point, the search for Chuck & Charley has moved to a recovery. With help from K9 teams, there is a probable location on the lake, but logistical challenges including temp, weather, and depth have prevented a recovery thus far. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/EZ9Z24pcQx
— Lotus (@LotusTweets) March 21, 2023
Officials also found two kayaks and a coat in the water.
Lotus, which was originally formed in Indiana, has been described as an instrumental, electronic jam band.
Their next performance was set to be on March 31 in Live Oak, Florida, according to their website.
Those close to the family are now urging fans to donate to Morris’ wife, Jenny Thompson, and daughter Amelia, 12.
“Search efforts are still underway, and Jenny and family could use all the prayer you can muster,” the fundraiser page reads. “They could also use financial support. Please help however you see fit.”
Thompson, whose family moved from Denver to Kansas City last year, told the Kansas City Star that Morris and Charley were lost on Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas, where the family had rented a vacation home during Charley’s Spring Break, from his studies at Ohio Wesleyan University.
“It was really just a chance for our family to come together and unplug,” Thompson told the newspaper. “Just enjoy each other and just reconnect.”
She also noted that winds had risen to 35 miles per hour while the two were out on the lake — dangerous conditions even for seasoned boaters.
Morris is a “loving father and partner,” and Charley a “great friend who believes in doing what’s right, even if it doesn’t come with a reward,” according to Thompson.
“The outpouring of love that we have received from the outside community has been glorious,” Thompson said. “It’s been just really lovely … It’s a beautiful reminder of how strong and loving the human spirit is.”
