Body of Missing Country Singer Craig Strickland Found in Okla. Lake

The body of country singer Craig Strickland, who disappeared during a duck hunting trip in Oklahoma last week, has been recovered from Kaw Lake Monday. 

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Division said the body of the 29-year old member of the Arkansas-based country band Backroad Anthem was found within the original search area known as Bear Creek Cove.

Strickland's wife, Helen Wisner, former Miss Arkansas, tweeted the news that her husband's body had been found. "He is safe with his Father in Heaven. Thank you Lord for leading us to him today. I will praise you, Amen," she wrote.

Strickland and his friend, Chase R. Morland, were both reported missing on Dec. 27 after a boat they were using was found capsized.

Morland was found dead on Dec. 28, but family and friends held out hope for Strickland after his dog was found alive.

The rescue mission was hindered by the expansive terrain and severe storms, which were blamed for at least five deaths and over 100 injuries in the state, according to Oklahoma state health officials.

Kay County Sheriff Everette VanHoesen said on Tuesday that the enormity and unpredictable nature of the lake may have harmed the two experienced hunters.

"It's a big lake, and when we have high winds, the lake will get whitecapped; the waves get pretty big," VanHoesen said Tuesday. "I understand these men were avid hunters. They knew what they were doing, but sometimes the size of our lake really tricks them."

Strickland's family and band had received an outpouring of support on social media during the search, where they kept concerned fans updated.

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