Lotus drummer Chuck Morris and his son have been missing since last week’s kayaking trip on a lake in Arkansas. According to Morris’ wife, the father and son most likely drowned.
On March 16, Chuck and Charlie Morris went kayaking on Beaver Lake, where conditions were less than ideal for safe excursions. Jennifer Thompson, the wife of Chuck Morris, said that while the pair are now presumed dead, she can take solace in knowing that the pair were together at the end. She told ABC:
“What saved me from the beginning of this is that they died together; they were together.”
While Chuck had a highly acclaimed career as a drummer for Lotus, Charlie was also showing promise as a sophomore at Ohio Wesleyan University, where he ran track and planned to become a lawyer. Thompson said that it took her a while before she began to panic at the delayed return of the duos day at the lake:
“We thought it would be a great idea for Chuck and Charlie to be able to get on the kayaks before a storm hit.
“We got home, and they weren’t back yet. My husband being the adventurer that he is, we’re like, ‘oh, they must be having a great time.'”
Neighbors and rescue teams came together with boats, helicopters, and dogs to save Chuck and Charlie, but those efforts were unsuccessful. Lotus released a statement on Twitter, mourning the loss of their drummer and updating fans on the situation:
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“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.”
“It is unknown how long these efforts may take. 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.”
It is unknown how long these efforts may take. 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. (2/3)
— Lotus (@LotusTweets) March 21, 2023
ABC also offered Thompson’s theory on what happened on the lake, although nobody will ever know for sure:
“She said the current theory is that one of the men fell into the water from his kayak. Weighed down by soaked clothing, he struggled to swim, prompting the other to leave his kayak to attempt a rescue. In the cold water of Beaver Lake, the two likely drowned, Thompson said. She added that the theory was corroborated when cadaver dogs hit near the location of the theorized site of the drowning.”
The band has rallied together to create a fundraiser that has nearly reached $100,000, with proceeds going to the family of Morris. Thompson shared with ABC that she will never forget both men fondly and that they were bright lights that shined on the world:
“Chuck was fun and creative and funny, and Charlie was pensive and serious and very much believed in the responsibility of people to be good.”