Back road anthem craig strickland found

Craig Strickland has been found dead.

“The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Division made recovery of the body of Craig M. Strickland this morning Jan. 4, 2016 at 11:35 a.m.,” a spokesperson confirms to PEOPLE in a statement.

“Strickland and his friend, Chase R. Morland were both reported missing on Dec. 27 while on a duck hunt at Kaw Lake in Kay County, Oklahoma. Strickland’s body was located by an OHP Trooper who was searching on foot, in a thick tree and brush area approximately 75 feet off the shoreline. This thick tree line made it difficult to locate Strickland, who was wearing camouflage hunting gear. This is all within the original search area known as Bear Creek Cove, and was approximately ¾ mile north of the boat ramp and west of the shoreline. The Strickland family has been notified of the recovery.”

Wife Helen Strickland tweeted, “Craig was found today.