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The tragic search for Barry Christian, a candidate for the Oklahoma State Senate, has reached a somber conclusion.
Authorities discovered Christian deceased inside his car within the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area, merely two days after his disappearance. This was confirmed by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation through their statement.
The cause of death for the 54-year-old has not yet been determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Christian was last observed on April 28 in Sayre, Oklahoma. Concerns were raised when he failed to attend a scheduled meeting, prompting a missing person report on April 29, as reported by News 9.
On the morning of April 30, around 9:45 a.m., deputies from Beckham County discovered Christian’s vehicle stationed in the wildlife area, located just south of Erick.
Around 9:45 a.m. on April 30, Beckham County deputies spotted Christian’s vehicle parked in the wildlife area just south of Erick.
“As OSBI special agents processed the scene, they discovered a body inside the vehicle, who was positively identified as Christian,” authorities said. “It was determined that Christian was an Oklahoma State Senate candidate.”
The drilling consultant had been one of three Republican candidates running for Senate District 38.
Barry Christian’s Family Asks For “Grace” After His Death
In the aftermath of his death, Christian’s daughter Brooklyn asked the community for their prayers.
“Our world is upside down right now. We are still not sure of everything that happened, so please act with grace and treat my dad’s legacy with dignity,” she said in a statement to News 9. “We’re extremely grateful for everyone who assisted in the search efforts, and all of the media outlets that shared his information. I know there will be lots of people devastated by his passing.”
His youngest daughter also told the news outlet that he “wanted nothing more than to provide and protect his family” and had “lived only for his kids.”
The OSBI said the investigation into Christian’s death remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the OSBI tip line at 1-800-522-8017 or tips@osbi.ok.gov.