Search resumes for Strickland
Ponca City Now - January 1, 2016 11:09 am
The search has resumed at a north Oklahoma lake for a country music singer from Arkansas who disappeared while hunting nearly a week ago.
The Kay County Sheriff’s Office says the Oklahoma Highway Patrol resumed the search at daybreak Friday for 29-year-old Craig Strickland on Kaw Lake.
The OHP has been using search dogs, boats with sonar and drag lines and a helicopter in the search.
Strickland is the lead singer of the Arkansas-based country-rock band Backroad Anthem. He disappeared during severe storms Sunday while on a duck hunting trip with friend Chase Morland.
The pair’s capsized boat was found Sunday, along with Strickland’s dog, which was alive. Morland’s body was recovered from the lake Monday.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Division is requesting that no other boats enter the search area on Kaw Lake.
"We understand people want to volunteer in the search. However, with the search canines and OHP equipment being used, any other boats in the area will hinder our search efforts," said Lt. Kera Philippi with the OHP. "Thank you for understanding that there is a method to how these searches are conducted. We are working diligently to locate Craig M. Strickland and appreciate the public taking this request seriously so we can remain effective in the search operation."
