Singer Craig Strickland Died Of Hypothermia, Wife Says

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says it recovered the body of Craig Strickland at Kaw Lake Monday morning.

Strickland and his friend, Chase Morland, were reported missing by family members on December 27. The pair had been on a duck hunt at the lake.

The OHP says troopers recovered the body in the Bear Creek Cove area of Kaw Lake. The Ponca City news reports Strickland's body was found at 11:25 a.m. about 75 yards off the shore in a treeline. 

Strickland's wife Helen said on her Instagram account that her husband had made it out of the water before succumbing to hypothermia.

"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 falling asleep. They found him lying in the shape of a cross looking up to 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."

Helen, Strickland's wife, Tweeted the following message after her husband was found:

Troopers recovered Morland's body on December 28. Strickland's hunting dog was found unharmed. Helen Strickland said the dog, Sam, stayed with Chase Morland's body until it was recovered.

1/3/2015 Related Story: Day 8 Wraps In Kaw Lake Search For Craig Strickland; Mission Resumes At Daybreak

Strickland was a member of the country rock band Backroad Anthem. According to the band's web site, the six members of the band met at a church in their hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas.