Bodies of missing kayakers found, deputies say

BENTON COUNTY, Ark. — The bodies of two missing Arkansas kayakers were recovered after more than three weeks of searching, authorities said Sunday.

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In a news release, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office said that the bodies of Charles Morris IV, 46, and his son, Charles Morris V, 20, were recovered on Beaver Lake by search crews after 24 days.

The two men were listed as missing on March 16, KFSM-TV reported.

“Sheriff (Shawn) 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,” Lt. Shannon Jenkins, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, said in the news release, which was posted on Facebook. “Our heart goes out to the family of Chuck and Charley Morris and we are thankful today that we can help bring closure.”

During the search, authorities said they found a kayak and a lifejacket in the area, KMBC-TV reported. At that point, officials said the search changed from a rescue mission to a recovery effort, according to the television station.

The sheriff’s office was also hampered by poor weather during the search, KMBC reported.