Missing Country Music Star Craig Strickland Found Dead

After an exhaustive search over several days, country music star Craig Strickland has been found dead, PEOPLE reports. In a statement to the site, a spokesperson confirmed, "The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Division made recovery of the body of Craig M. Strickland this morning Jan. 4, 2016."

They continue, "Strickland and his friend, Chase R. Morland were both reported missing on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, while on a duck hunt at Kaw Lake in Kay County, Oklahoma. Strickland's body was located within the original search area known as Bear Creek Cove. The Strickland family has been notified of the recovery."

A member of the country rock band Backroad Anthem, Strickland was LAST SEEN ALIVE when he and his friend Chase Morland set out for a duck hunting trip last week in the midst of winter storm Goliath. Morland's body, along with the duo's boat were discovered last Monday.

Strickland's family and friends held out hope that the 29-year-old singer would be found alive. His father Randy Strickland, posted on the band's Facebook page last week: "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. Only God & time can put us back together. Love all!"

Image: Backroad Anthem Facebook