Country singer Craig Strickland has been reported missing and the friend with whom he embarked on a duck hunting trip in Oklahoma over the weekend was found dead.
According to E! Online, the 29-year-old singer was declared missing after his friend and hunting buddy, Chase Morland, was found dead early Monday morning.
“At approximately 11:10 hours Trooper Humdy and Trooper Vann recovered one subject; Chase R. Morland 22 year old male from Van Buren, AR., from Kaw Lake,” a spokesperson from the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety said in a statement.
Country singer Craig Strickland missing after friend's foreboding tweet about disappearance https://t.co/8uDytb2oFF pic.twitter.com/4rHyrsO3Ly
— People magazine (@people) December 29, 2015
“At this time search efforts are still underway in attempt to locate Craig M. Strickland, 29 year old male from Springdale, AR., the second subject that is missing from the vessel. There was no personal floatation devises in use. The boat has been found but not recovered at this time. At this time the search efforts are going to be suspended for the day due to weather and fading lights. Search efforts will resume in the morning.”
According to Oklahoma’s News9, a search was launched Sunday when a boat the two men were reportedly using for the hunting trip north of Tulsa, in Kay County, was found capsized.
ICYMI: Backroad Anthem's lead singer, Craig Strickland, went missing on a duck hunting trip: https://t.co/xn4hdbBq0r pic.twitter.com/KEde6q2wso
— HollywoodLife (@HollywoodLife) December 29, 2015
In a sad irony, Marland tweeted before the two embarked on the trip about the risky trip, writing, “In case we don’t come back, @BackroadCRAIG and I are going right through Winter Storm Goliath to kill ducks in Oklahoma. #IntoTheStorm.”
In case we don't come back, @BackroadCRAIG and I are going right through Winter Storm Goliath to kill ducks in Oklahoma. #IntoTheStorm
— Chase Morland (@ChaseMorland) December 27, 2015
Strickland’s band, Backroad Anthem, asked for prayers for Morland’s family and for the safe return of Craig.
“Everyone please say special prayers for the family of Chase Morland. They were very close friends and it is such a heartbreaking loss. Randy Strickland (Craig’s father) has informed us Craig has not been found. Please keep praying for his safety.”
The band also posted an update Monday night, sharing with fans, “The search has been called off for the night, bringing boat with sonar in morning. A friend gave me these words! We are trying to think of a scenario where he is still alive. Hoping against the odds. We can’t even stand to think about it. We are devastated. Only God & time can put us back together. Love all!”
Craig’s father, Randy Strickland, wrote, “We love you Randy, Helen, Joanne, and family and we are all believing in a miracle!”
Craig’s wife, Helen Strickland, also took to Twitter to update fans on Monday night.
“Craig’s dog Sam has been found. His boat has been confirmed as being capsized. They are still searching for Craig. Please keep praying,” and then followed tonight with, “Craig is still missing. The search has been called for the night. It will resume again in the morning with a sonar boat. Still need prayers.”
On Monday, Helen posted a tweet pleading for her husband to come home.
We love you Craig Michael. Come home. pic.twitter.com/Qiym6OrPiY
— Helen Strickland (@HelenWisner) December 29, 2015
Come be a part of a time of prayer for @BackroadCRAIG and @HelenWisner at the cross church Springdale campus student building at 9pm!
— Heath Bryant (@heathbryant) December 29, 2015
Keeping positive thoughts for the safe return of Craig Strickland.