One Arkansas man is dead and another is missing after they disappeared during a duck hunting trip on an Oklahoma lake, according to information released by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol on Monday.
Chase Morland’s body was discovered by patrolmen about 11:10 a.m., according to the Highway Patrol. The 22-year-old Van Buren man was hunting on Kaw Lake with Craig Strickland, 29, of Springdale when the two disappeared.
Strickland is the lead vocalist for the Fayetteville band Backroad Anthem. He also is married to former Miss Arkansas Helen Wisner.
The search team also found a capsized boat. Search efforts for Strickland were suspended Monday evening because of bad weather and fading light, the patrol said.
Kaw Lake is located in north central Oklahoma in Kay and Osage counties. It is about 8 miles east of Ponca City and about 92 miles northwest of Tulsa.
Morland posted a message on Twitter at 11:42 p.m. Saturday about the duck trip.
“In case we don’t come back @Backroad Craig and I are going right through Winter Storm Goliath to kill ducks in Oklahoma,” Morland’s post reads.
Backroad Anthem’s Facebook page describes the band as a country/rock group. It has opened for artists such as Chris Young, Josh Turner and Gary Allan.
Jensen Sussman, the band’s public relations manager, directed all questions to the band’s Facebook page on Monday.
“Please pray for Craigs family, his wife and for us band members,” the band’s Facebook page says. “We love you guys, and we appreciate your ever loving support for our dream.”
The post also states that Strickland and Morland headed out for the hunting trip at 2 a.m. Sunday.
Randy Musinger, Oklahoma Highway Patrol dispatcher, said a search started for the men at 6 a.m. Monday after police were notified of the men’s disappearance late Sunday night.
The search was delayed by ice on the boat ramp, Musinger said. A sand truck and wrecker were sent to the lake about 10 a.m., he said.
Angel Wisner Owen, Helen’s aunt, said she was receiving updates from her brother who was at the lake Monday.
“They are doing the same as us,” Owen said. “They are waiting and praying. We love Craig, and we hope he is alive somewhere.”
Owen said Strickland’s dog was found alive. She said this news brings hope that Strickland also will be found alive.
“Craig is the most full of life person you will ever meet,” Owen said. “He has never met a stranger. You just love him from the minute you meet him.”
State Desk on 12/29/2015