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Craig Strickland Search Continues, Backroad Anthem Praying for ‘His Safe Return Home’

Craig Strickland
Craig Strickland

The search for Craig Strickland continued on Wednesday, December 30, three days after the Backroad Anthem country singer was reported missing. His friend Chase Morland’s body was found on Monday after the two set off for a weekend duck hunting excursion at Kaw Lake in Oklahoma. Strickland has been missing since Sunday.

Craig's bandmates have continuously updated fans with the latest news, and requested that their followers pray for his safety. On Wednesday, they shared an in-depth post about the missing singer.

"For those of you who don't know Craig he is the most passionate person that we know! He is on fire for God, his Wife, his family, his life, and this band," the band, composed of six musicians, shared on Facebook. "Craig is by far the best communicator that we have ever seen. His passion for music and the stage are what many times have kept us going miles and miles down the road. We want Yall our fans, friends, and loved ones to know Craig is an amazing person, husband, son, bandmate, and most certainly best friend. As we continue to pray today for his safe return home admire this picture and know the God he serves we serve can do anything even as small as some would think in painting this sunset for all to see today. We love you we thank you for being so kind and generous in your words, thoughts, and prayers."

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The group included a visual of a sunset dipping below a tree-lined lake. "This picture is perfect," the post from Backroad Anthem concluded. "Let the music warm our hearts today.”

Prior to leaving for their trip, Morland, 22, wrote an ominous tweet on Saturday. "In case we don't come back, @BackroadCRAIG and I are going right through Winter Storm Goliath to kill ducks in Oklahoma. #IntoTheStorm.” Strickland retweeted the post the same day. The weather early Sunday morning was bleak: Snow and sleet, as well as heavy rain and wind, caused temperatures to fall into the teens.

The longtime hunting buddies were accompanied by Strickland's beloved 9-year-old black Lab, Sam, who authorities found alive when they came upon Morland's body at the lake. Search and rescue also found their capsized boat in the lake.

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Strickland's wife, Helen Strickland, tweeted a heartbreaking update about Sam on Tuesday, December 29. "For everyone wanting to know, Sam is fine," the former Miss Arkansas USA shared with supporters. "He was a brave boy. He wouldn't leave Chase's body until the Warden found him." She also shared a photo of Sam looking up at her with a forlorn expression.

Though Craig remains missing, his family members and wife have been holding out hope that he's still alive. On Monday, Helen tweeted: "We love you Craig Michael. Come home."

His dad, Randy Strickland, also wrote in a Facebook post on Monday, "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!"

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