Son of country music singer Craig Morgan found dead following accident
WAVERLY, Tenn. - The 19-year-old son of country music singer Craig Morgan was found dead after a tubing accident on the Tennessee River in Humphreys County, CBS affiliate WTVF reported.
Officials with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirmed that Jerry Greer's body was pulled from Kentucky Lake, which is part of the Tennessee River, around 9 p.m. Monday.
This is the area of the Tennessee River where authorities are searching for Craig Morgan's son Jerry @NC5 pic.twitter.com/Yd9w9Lugnr
— Chris Conte (@NC5_ChrisConte) July 11, 2016
The emergency call came in just after 4 p.m. Sunday. More than 12 hours after the initial report, officials said the search has turned into a recovery mission.
Officials with the Humphreys County Sheriff's Office confirmed the teen's identity as Jerry Greer, son of Craig Morgan [Greer], WTVF reported.
Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Rod Edwards said two teenagers were tubing when they had an accident and one teen. Greer, didn't surface. Both were wearing life jackets.
The Sheriff's Office requested assistance from rescue organizations across the state. About 50 boats joined the search. Authorities say crews were using an underwater vehicle to scan a search on the river where the water is up to 15 feet deep at points.
In a statement, Greer's family confirmed his death. They said he was 2016 graduate of Dickson County High School, and planned to play football for Marshall University in the fall.
"The family is grateful for the outpouring of support and requests prayers at this time as they privately mourn this terrible loss," the statement read. "Jerry is survived by parents Craig and Karen Greer, sister Aly Beaird and brother-in-law Ryan Beaird, brother Kyle Greer and fiancé Chelsea Rogers and brother Wyatt Greer."
After news of the teen's death, country music stars began taking to Twitter to send their condolences to Craig Morgan's family.
Myself, my band and crew, our hearts are broken for our friend @cmorganmusic and his family. There are no words.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) July 12, 2016
Heartbroken tonight for my friend, @cmorganmusic, & his family over the loss of his son.
— Josh Turner (@joshturnermusic) July 12, 2016
My hear is so broken for @cmorganmusic right now. My thoughts, love and prayers will continue to go out to him and his family.
— JT Hodges (@HelloJTHodges) July 12, 2016
Broken hearted for Craig Morgan and his family. Sending up prayers for them tonight.
— SaraBeth (@SBSwags) July 12, 2016
Prayers for Craig Morgan's family during this difficult time.
— David Nail (@davidnail) July 12, 2016