Brian ArmasThe body of Backroad Anthem lead singer Craig Strickland has been recovered, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Division. Search crews found Strickland’s body this morning, more than a week after he disappeared while duck hunting on Kaw Lake with his friend Chase Morland.
Morland’s body was recovered last Monday, as was the pair’s capsized boat. Craig’s dog Sam was found alive. Shortly before their disappearance, Chase tweeted about the severity of the winter storm the two were braving to continue with their hunt.
Craig’s wife, former Miss Arkansas Helen Strickland, reacted to the news on Twitter. “#CraigStrickland was found today. He is safe with his Father in Heaven. Thank you Lord for leading us to him today. I will praise you, Amen.”
The band Backroad Anthem came together in 2012 after its six members met while attending church together in Arkansas. Their career found new momentum after they were discovered by Justin Moore’s manager when they opened a show for the country hitmaker. The band’s debut EP Torn was released digitally last fall.
Backroad Anthem posted the following statement on their Facebook page Monday:
“Today we lost our brother, our best friend, our bandmate. Craig was the most amazing person whose passion for life couldn’t be matched. Thankful to know he fought his way from the water to a hill and was lying in the shape of a cross on his back looking up to his Heavenly Father. Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ We pray today for God to wrap his arms around Randy, Joanne, Helen, and the family, and to help us through this extremely difficult time. We want to thank every single friend, fan, and family member for your thoughts, prayers, and love. Today he is smiling down on us and we know he will always be with us. He will always be here to help guide us along the way. We love you Craig Strickland and we will forever miss you!”
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