Country singer Craig Strickland has died, at the age of 29.
The Backroad Anthem frontman passed away from hypothermia, after going missing while out duck hunting in Oklahoma, shortly after Christmas.
Craig’s body was found in Bear Creek Cove on Kaw Lake on 4 January by Oklahoma Highway Patrol's Marine Enforcement Division - eight days after he set out hunting with friend Chase Morland.
Craig Strickland with wife Helen
Chase’s body was discovered on 28 December, but hopes for Craig’s survival were raised when his pet dog was found.
However, his wife Helen confirmed the sad news on Monday, posting on Twitter: “#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.”
She later shared further details of his death, revealing on her Instagram page that his boat capsized in a storm, and after he escaped the water, hypothermia set in.
“He experienced no pain in his final moments and simply felt like he was falling asleep,” she wrote.
“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.”
She went on to claim Craig was found "lying in the shape of a cross looking up to his Father."
A spokesperson for the star later said: “The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Division made recovery of the body of Craig M. Strickland this morning Jan. 4, 2016."
“Strickland and his friend, Chase R. Morland were both reported missing on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, while on a duck hunt at Kaw Lake in Kay County, Oklahoma.
“Strickland's body was located within the original search area known as Bear Creek Cove. The Strickland family has been notified of the recovery.”
