Search For Lotus Percussionist Chuck Morris Shifts To Recovery Effort, Band Members Share Statements
The musician and his son have been missing since going kayaking on Thursday, March 16.
By Andy Kahn Mar 22, 2023 • 8:20 am PDT
Lotus shared an update regarding the status of percussionist Chuck Morris, who along with his son Charley Morris, has been missing since embarking on a kayaking trip last Thursday, March 16 on Beaver Lake near Fayetteville, Arkansas. The band’s latest message on social media, posted on Tuesday, March 21, indicated the search for the missing father and son has shifted to a recovery effort.
“We were all hoping for a miracle, but at this point, the search for Chuck and Charley has moved to a recovery. With help from the K9 team, there is a probable location on the lake, but logistical challenges including temperature, 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. Thank you to all who have reached out with fond words, stories, emotional and financial support. Help support the family’s immediate financial needs by donating at gofund.me/bd9a1acf.”
March 22 Update: Lotus members, bassist Jesse Miller, guitarist/keyboardist Luke Miller and drummer Mike Greenfield, shared statements regarding Morris. Read each below.
Jesse Miller:
“We spent over 20 years in a band with Chuck. We lived together for parts of that, traveled the country and across oceans, felt the joy of performing in front of thousands of fans and pains of sleeping on floors and trying to repair a broken trailer in the middle of nowhere in a snowstorm. It was a journey, and it wouldn’t have been the same without Chuck bringing his unique mind, energy, spirit and smile to it.”
Luke Miller:
“Chuck was a beast on percussion and in life. He brought an energy every night that fed so many people’s souls. He joined Lotus back in a small Indiana town – Goshen. Our little group from the rural Midwest ventured out into the world to play music. If our touring van broke down, or if our shared band house needed to be fixed Chuck was always the first to jump in on the work. I was there when Jenny and Chuck brought Charley home from the hospital. And we saw him grow up to be an incredibly smart and talented young man.
“I traveled with Chuck to all the corners of the US, to Japan, Amsterdam, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and so many other places. He was always ready to have fun, make new friends, and play music. He brought a bright-eyed adventurous spirit wherever he went. Chuck was truly a one-of-one. He and Charley are incredibly dearly missed. Rest in Percussion / Rest in Power / Rest In Peace”
Mike Greenfield:
“One of the highest achievements of a musician is to find your own voice on an instrument. Chuck’s distinct personality was so strong that it shined through in his musicianship, as it did in all elements of his life. I can easily say that Chuck was the most unique person I have ever met, and it was fascinating to witness how his dynamic energy created opportunities for him at every turn. As a percussionist, comedian, computer programmer, family man, repairer of anything that was broken, and of course as our beloved “wildcard”- no one did it quite like him.
“Chuck was my drumming brother. Over the past few days, I have been listening to a few recent shows when Chuck and I explored rhythmic banter together in exciting and unhinged ways. The profound level of connection that we had could only be manifested through years of touring and living together. Over the past two decades, we have watched each other’s families grow. Chuck, you are a wonderful father and friend. I will always treasure our time together.”
A separate post on Lotus’ social media relayed a message from Chuck’s wife and Charley’s mother Jenny Thompson, which stated:
“Please know how grateful our family is for all the outpouring of support. Chuck absolutely loves the Lotus family and fans and was so inspired after coming home from this last tour. You make his life so meaningful and we are thankful for that. Please continue to hold my lovely husband and son in your hearts and prayers.”
According to the local ABC affiliate, severe weather, including sub-freezing temperatures, temporarily halted search efforts the night the pair went missing. The search for the father and son resumed the next day and continued over the weekend. A kayak and jacket were found on Beaver Lake on Thursday, March 16 and a second kayak was recovered on Friday, March 17.
Loading tour dates
