Country singer Craig Strickland, friend Chase Morland found dead

The body of country singer Craig Strickland was found on Monday after he and a friend went missing while on a hunting trip just after Christmas. Early reports say he died of hypothermia.

Strickland, 29, had gone with a friend, Chase Morland, on a duck hunting trip when severe winter storms hit. The two men’s boat capsized. Both Moreland and Strickland’s bodies were found in the lake on December 28.

“This thick tree line made it difficult to locate Strickland, who was wearing camouflage hunting gear,” a statement from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol explained. “Strickland’s body was located within the original search area known as Bear Creek Cove,” authorities stated.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol stated the bodies of Morland and Strickland were found in the same general area.

“Strickland and Morland had a 1977 Flat Bottom John Boat with no motor, and other hunting equipment such as an ice chest and decoys. These items created a ‘debris field’ along the shore line. Both Strickland and Morland were located near this area.”

Strickland’s wife, Helen Strickland, a former Miss Arkansas winner, posted continual updates to her twitter account, thanking the search and rescue team and remaining positive. Even after the news of her husband’s death, Helen Strickland posted a message to twitter, praising God that Craig was in heaven.

“#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,” Helen posted.

Helen thanked fans for their support and prayers while Craig was missing and assured them of his peaceful death.

“There was not a more peaceful way for him to go into the arms of our Lord,” she wrote on Instagram, “and I know your prayers had a role in making that happen.”

Strickland sang for Backroad Anthem.

NOTE: The original posting has Chase Morland’s name spelled incorrectly, our apologies. – BBJ, The Dispatch