KAY COUNTY, Okla. (KFSM) -- The body of Backroad Anthem singer Craig Strickland was recovered Monday morning (Jan. 4), according to Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
His body was found in the original search area, north of Bear Creek Cove on Kaw Lake, Kay County Undersheriff Steve Kelley told Ponca City News.
He was found at 11:25 a.m. about 75 yards off shore, OHP reported to Ponca City News.
The Strickland family has been notified. Strickland's wife, Helen, shared the news on Twitter and Instagram.
In her Instagram post she writes:
"Craig was found today. We can finally rest knowing that he is at Home in Heaven with his Father. The night of the accident he had fought his way out of the water and up a hill before the stages of hypothermia set in. He experienced no pain in his final moments and simply felt like he was asleep. They found him lying in the shape of a cross looking up at his Father. Thank you to every single person who prayed for him and our family during this time. There was not a more peaceful way for him to go into the arms of our Lord, and I know your prayers had a role in making that happen. I know he saw Jesus at that moment when he laid down and walked arm in arm with Him into a better Everlasting Life. I love you with all my heart Craig Michael."
Strickland and his friend Chase Moreland were reported missing on Sunday (Dec. 27) while duck hunting on Kaw Lake. Their capsized boat and Morland’s body were found Monday (Dec. 28), according to Oklahoma Highway Patrol.