Bodies of Ohio Wesleyan student Charley Morris and father recovered in Arkansas lake

After 24 days of search and recovery operations, the bodies of an Ohio Wesleyan University student and his father have been found in Arkansas' Beaver Lake, according to a press release shared on social media Sunday from the Benton County Sheriff's Office.

Charles "Chuck" Morris IV, 47, and Charles "Charley" Morris V, 20, the father and son from Kansas City, Missouri, went missing on March 16 while kayaking on Beaver Lake for spring break but didn't return as expected. The family notified authorities and search operations began immediately, but after a storm, the two kayakers were believed to have drowned.

Search teams, including personnel from multiple law enforcement agencies and organizations across the country, utilized a range of resources to locate the missing kayakers, including underwater ROV technology. The bodies of both Chuck and Charley Morris were recovered at a depth of over 180 feet, according to the release.

The family of Chuck Morris, a percussionist for the band Lotus, and Charley Morris, a sophomore at Ohio Wesleyan, expressed gratitude for the support and love they have received. They are planning to celebrate their lives during gatherings soon.

"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 ... recover the two missing men," read the release. "Our heart goes out (to) the family of Chuck and Charley Morris, and we are thankful today that we can help bring closure."

tmoorman@dispatch.com

@taijuannichole

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Bodies of Ohio Wesleyan student, musician father recovered in Arkansas