Missing Country Musician Craig Strickland's Wife Requests Fans 'Keep Praying' for His Return After Hunting Calamity

By Julie Brown Patton

Helen Strickland is pleading for fans to "please keep praying" for the safe return of her husband, country singer Craig Strickland, who went missing on a duck hunting trip this weekend in Oklahoma. Strickland, 29, is lead singer of the country group Backroad Anthem. The body of Craig's friend, Chase Morland, 22, was found Monday in Kaw Lake, some 90 miles north of Tulsa.

Authorities determined their boat capsized, according to NBC affiliate KFOR. The boat also was found. Police said nothing about a cause of death. They added that there were "no personal flotation devices in use," reports CNN. 

Helen tweeted Monday that Craig's dog, Sam, was found alive.

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Sam, Craig Strickland's dog, stayed by the deceased body of Strickland's close friend, Chase Morland, until authorities found them in Oklahoma. Twitter

Before the two hunters embarked, Morland sent an ominous tweet that mentioned the damaging winter storm tearing through Oklahoma, dubbed "Goliath" in the press, reports Today. Backroad Anthem members asked for special prayers for Morland, also. He was a resident of Van Buren, Ark.  

Craig's father, Randy Strickland, wrote that they 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 and time can put us back together." 

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 Facebook

On Monday night, a prayer vigil was held at the Cross Church Springdale student building. Band members stated on the group's Facebook page:  "f you can't make it, please join us in prayer at 9 (p.m.) from home. The power of prayer is huge."

Fans from multiple states are showing support on the band's social media. Rhonda Parker Moulder stated:  "My heart and prayers for comfort and peace to Chase's family. Devastating loss...God's healing and love to you...to the family of Craig Strickland, prayers as well, for his safety and being found quickly. Peace and protection to him and Godspeed in coming home!"

The six-member Backroad Anthem formed in Arkansas in 2012. 

The search for the Fayetteville, Ark., will resume Wednesday morning, according to Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Search crews used a sonar boat and helicopter to search for Strickland Tuesday. 

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