Search Continues for Missing Country Singer

Hours after the search for country singer Craig Strickland was called off for the night by Oklahoma Highway Patrol, authorities tell ABC News the search will continue today for the Backroad Anthem front man.

 

Capt. Paul Timmons told ABC News on Tuesday morning that the body of Strickland's friend Chase Morland, 22, was found on Monday in northern Oklahoma near Tulsa. The two had been missing following a hunting trip in the middle of a storm.

 

Morland's body was sent over to the local medical examiner's office, Timmons added. He said parts of the state have been suffering from harsh weather, including ice and snow, and high winds. There has also been major flooding.

 

Strickland's wife Helen tweeted, "His boat has been confirmed as being capsized." She also asked for continued prayers.

 

We love you Craig Michael. Come home. pic.twitter.com/Qiym6OrPiY

— Helen Strickland (@HelenWisner) December 29, 2015

Morland tweeted on Sunday about going out with Strickland, 29, writing, "In case we don't come back, @BackroadCRAIG and I are going right through Winter Storm Goliath to kill ducks in Oklahoma. #IntoTheStorm."

 

The band has been updating fans on the search over the past two days, relaying information from authorities and family.

 

"Everyone please say special prayers for the family of Chase Morland. They were very close friends and it is such a heartbreaking loss. Randy Strickland (Craig's father) has informed us Craig has not been found. Please keep praying for his safety," the band wrote on Facebook about Morland's death.

 

 

The band posted a second Facebook message Monday evening: "The search has been called off for the night, bringing boat with sonar in morning. A friend gave me these words! 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"