Backroad Anthem Release Statement Following Craig Strickland’s Death
The surviving members of Backroad Anthem have issued a statement in the death of lead singer Craig Strickland, calling him "our brother, our best friend, our bandmate."
Strickland's body was found by search parties on Monday (Jan. 4), one week after the 29-year-old singer and his 22-year-old friend, Chase Morland, went missing while embarking on a duck hunt in severe weather. The men's boat capsized, and Morland's body was found last Monday (Dec. 28), but due to weather conditions, it took rescuers a week of intensive searching with dogs and even a helicopter before they found Strickland's body in the same area they had begun the search. The singer had made it to shore and even tried to remove his wet waders, according to reports.
"Craig was the most amazing person whose passion for life couldn't be matched. Thankful to know he fought his way from the water to a hill and was lying in the shape of a cross on his back looking up to his Heavenly Father," his bandmates posted to Facebook, along with a Bible quote. "We pray today for God to wrap his arms around Randy, Joanne, Helen, and the family, and to help us through this extremely difficult time. We want to thank every single friend, fan, and family member for your thoughts, prayers, and love. Today he is smiling down on us and we know he will always be with us. He will always be here to help guide us along the way. We love you Craig Strickland and we will forever miss you!"
Strickland's wife, Helen, thanked fans everywhere for their prayers and support in an emotional message on Monday, saying, "I know he saw Jesus at that moment when he laid down and walked arm in arm with Him into a better Everlasting Life."
More on the Death of Craig Strickland
See Pictures of Craig Strickland
See Stars Who've Suffered Unthinkable Tragedies
More From KEAN 105
