Seven days after he disappeared while on a duck-hunting trip and police launched a massive search to find him, the body of country singer Craig Strickland has been discovered.
The singer's wife, Helen, announced the news on social media.
"Craig Strickland was found today. He is safe with his father in heaven. Thank you Lord for leading us to him today," she wrote. "I will praise you. Amen."
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said in a statement that officers had “made recovery of the body of Craig Strickland this morning”.
“Strickland and his friend, Chase Morland were both reported missing on December 27 2015, while on a duck hunt at Kaw Lake in Kay County, Oklahoma,” added the statement by Lt Kera Philippi.
“Srickland’s body was located within the original search area known as Bear Creek Cove.”
The family of the singer, 29, who performed with the band Backroad Anthem, has been notified, Ms Philippi wrote and said more information would be released when it was was available.
Mr Strickland and Mr Morland, 22, went out hunting late last month in northern Oklahoma in the middle of a storm. Mr Morland’s body was discovered last week, while Mr Strickland remained missing until Monday.
Mr Morland tweeted just before going out with his friend, writing: “In case we don't come back, @BackroadCRAIG and I are going right through Winter Storm Goliath to kill ducks in Oklahoma. #IntoTheStorm.”Mr Strickland's wife Helen had been outspoken on social media, updating friends and family on the continuing search for her husband.
“We cannot thank you enough for the hard work and tiresome volunteer hours you poured into the search for #craigstrickland,” she wrote on Instagram.
