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Craig Strickland ‘Experienced No Pain’ in Final Moments Before Death, Wife Helen Strickland Says

Craig Strickland died in peace, his wife, Helen Strickland, says. In an Instagram post shared on Monday, January 4, Helen revealed details surrounding the 29-year-old country singer’s death.

Related: Stars Gone Too Soon

“Craig was found today. We can finally rest knowing that he is at Home in Heaven with his Father. 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,” Helen shared alongside a photo of them in embrace. “He experienced no pain in his final moments and simply felt like he was falling asleep. They found him lying in the shape of a cross looking up to his Father.”

Helen and Craig Strickland
Helen and Craig Strickland

She went on to show her appreciation for fans’ support. “Thank you to every single person who prayed for him and our family during this time. There was not a more peaceful way for him to go into the arms of our Lord, and I know your prayers had a role in making that happen,” the former Miss Arkansas wrote. “I know he saw Jesus at that moment when he laid down and walked arm in arm with Him into a better Everlasting Life. I love you with all my heart Craig Michael.”

A spokesperson for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirmed to Us Weekly on Monday that Craig’s body had been found at Bear Creek Cove, near the Kaw Lake area north of Tulsa. As previously reported by Us, Craig and his friend Chase Morland braved winter storm Goliath and embarked on a duck hunting trip on December 26. Morland was found dead two days later on Monday, December 28, after a search rescue team found their boat capsized. 

During the extensive weeklong search, Craig’s family remained hopeful, asking for continual prayers and support. “It’s more painful for us to think that he could be underwater,” Helen expressed during a Friday interview. “Still, we want that closure in seeing him.”

According to the Weather Channel, Goliath was the deadliest storm system of 2015 and has killed more than 50 across the U.S.

Related: Celebrity Deaths in 2015: Stars We've Lost

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