Backroad Anthem frontman, Craig Strickland, was found dead with his dear friend, Chase Moreland, this week. Following his tragic death, Craig’s wife Helen Strickland has touched our hearts with a beautiful tribute, comforting the fans who are mourning his loss as well. Craig Strickland was just 29 years old. He was out on a wintry hunting trip in Oklahoma when he went missing for seven days. His body was discovered at Bear Creek Cove.
After his body had been discovered, Helen Strickland Tweeted a prayer saying, “#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.”
In a morbid twist, before the hunting buddies headed out the day after Christmas on their hunting trip, Chase Moreland Tweeted these now painful words, “In case we don’t come back, @BackroadCRAIG and I are going right through Winter Storm Goliath to kill ducks in Oklahoma. #IntoTheStorm”
Who knew those words would ring true? As sad as this tragedy is, I am so inspired and comforted in the faith and grace that Strickland’s wife has portrayed throughout the entire ordeal. Don’t get me wrong. I am sure that behind closed doors, she cries it out, completely broken to her core. But her faith in God to carry her through this is beyond inspiring.
Helen shared a video that her husband gave her on their wedding day for his fans on Instagram. What a gracious act of kindness for a woman to share who is morning the loss of the love of her life. She gave this beautiful tribute/prayer along with the video clip:
“On the day of our wedding Craig had me watch a video he had made to tell me how much he loved me. I am so thankful for technology in this moment because I will always have this. I watched this privately prior to walking down the aisle, and so now I want to share this small excerpt with all of you. Thank you @stylistmeganfarmer for helping him make this. I will cherish it for ever. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalms 116:15”
Thank you Lord for sharing #craigstrickland with me. You allowed me to borrow him on this earth, but he was always Yours. I will forever cherish our year of marriage. This was truly the type of man you were and will always be remembered as. I love you Craig Michael.”
I recommend grabbing the tissues before you press play. Craig Strickland, you will be dearly missed.