It is with a heavy heart we report this tragic news. According to Lt. Kera Phillippi of Oklahoma’s Highway Patrol, Craig Stickland has been found dead. Backroad Anthem’s lead vocalist was reported missing after he did not return from a duck hunting outing with his friend, Chase Morland, at Kaw Lake last month.
Their boat flipped after coming in contact with some heavy weather that was reported to hit certain sections of the country that weekend: rain, sleet, and snow with winds up to 45 mph and temperatures as low as 15 degrees.
While Morland’s body was found near the flip site shortly after the two were reported missing, Strickland was not accounted for.
Morland tweeted their plans before they packed up for their trip.
In case we don't come back, @BackroadCRAIG and I are going right through Winter Storm Goliath to kill ducks in Oklahoma. 😅 #IntoTheStorm
— Chase Morland (@ChaseMorland) December 27, 2015
Fans, friends, and family have been sending prayers and support to Strickland’s wife, Helen. Strickland’s dog, Sam, was with the two friends at the time of the incident. He is reported as unhurt, and would not leave Morland’s side until the authorities found him.
While the remaining members of Backroad Anthem have the love and support of their fans during this terrible time, they will never forget their friend and teammate.
“We can’t even stand to think about it. We are devastated. Only God & time can put us back together.”
Morland, who worked at Gellco Outdoors in Arkansas, will be missed by his family and friends. His coworkers released a statement on the company’s Facebook page.
“Chase lost his life in a duck hunting accident in Ponca City, Ok. Our prayers and sympathy go out to the Morland family during this time of loss. We ask all of our customers to remember this family at this time.”
Strickland’s friend and fellow musician, Tyler Rich, took to Facebook saying how he and Strickland were looking forward to the new year, and “how excited we were to see what each of us would be able to accomplish in 2016.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to both Morland and Strickland’s families.
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