Singer Craig Strickland made it out of lake before succumbing to hypothermia

BACKROAD ANTHEM"s CRAIG STRICKLAND Found Dead

(Courtesy FoxNews.com)

The body of country singer Craig Strickland was found in a thick tree and brush area on Monday, authorities told to FOX411.

"This thick tree line made it difficult to locate Strickland, who was wearing camouflage hunting gear," a statement from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol explained.

Strickland was the lead singer of the Arkansas-based country-rock band Backroad Anthem. He disappeared during severe storms on Dec. 27 while on a duck hunting trip with friend Chase Morland.

The pair"s capsized boat was found that day. Morland"s body was recovered from the lake on Dec. 28.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Division found Strickland"s body Monday morning, authorities said.

"Stricklands body was located within the original search area known as Bear Creek Cove," authorities stated.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol stated the bodies of Morland and Strickland were found in the same general area.

"Strickland and Morland had a 1977 Flat Bottom John Boat with no motor, and other hunting equipment such as an ice chest and decoys. These items created a "debris field" along the shore line. Both Strickland and Morland were located near this area."

The singer"s wife, Helen, shared the news of his death on Twitter.

#CraigStrickland was found today. He is safe with his Father in Heaven. Thank you Lord for leading us to him today. I will praise you, Amen.

The country singer was 29.

His wife, Helen, also described her husband"s final moments in an Instagram post.

"The night of the accident he had fought his way out of the water and up a hill before the stages of hypothermia set in. He experienced no pain in his final moments and simply felt like he was falling asleep," she said.

She thanked fans for their prayers and support.

"There was not a more peaceful way for him to go into the arms of our Lord," she wrote, "and I know your prayers had a role in making that happen."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Source: http://www.wdrb.com/story/30890968/singer-craig-strickland-made-it-out-of-lake-before-succumbing-to-hypothermia