Missing State Senate candidate from western Oklahoma found dead: What we know
By Addison Kliewer
Click here for updates on this story
ERICK, Okla. (KOCO) — An investigation is ongoing after a candidate running for state Senate was reported missing and found dead in a western Oklahoma wildlife refuge.
Barry Christian, a candidate for Senate District 38, disappeared on Tuesday. He was found dead on Thursday, according to a news release from his campaign.
Below is what we know about the case.
Truck and body found in wildlife refuge The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirmed Thursday afternoon that investigators were on the scene near Highway 30, just south of the town of Erick. OSBI confirmed to KOCO that a truck matching the one belonging to Christian was found in that same area on Thursday.
Christian was believed to be driving a 2024 charcoal gray Ram truck when he disappeared.
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation officials on Thursday night confirmed that they had positively identified the body found in a pickup at the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area as Barry Christian.
OSBI officials said they were contacted by the Sayre Police Department about the disappearance of Christian, who was last seen in Sayre on Tuesday, according to a news release.
The Beckham County Sheriff’s Office told KOCO 5 that a deputy was patrolling the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Refuge Thursday morning when they contacted a hunter who had seen a vehicle crashed off a high ridge overlooking Fish Creek.
That vehicle belonged to Christian, and his body was found inside the pickup truck. Christian’s body has since been taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office, where a cause and manner of death will be determined.
When was Barry Christian first reported missing? He was reported missing after he failed to show up for a scheduled meeting on Tuesday.
The Harmon County Sheriff’s Office and the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office asked the public for help finding Christian late Wednesday night.
Law enforcement released a picture of Christian and his truck. They also released a description of him, saying he is about 6 feet and weighs 230 pounds. He has blue eyes and gray hair.
Statement from Barry Christian’s family His daughter, Brooklyn, sent the news release to KOCO.
“Please pray for our family and friends. 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,” said his daughter, Brooklyn. “We are extremely grateful to 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.” Statements from Barry Christian’s Senate primary opponents Joe Buchanan Carol and I are devastated to hear about Barry Christian’s passing. We are keeping his family and friends in our prayers, and hope our community can come together after this horrible tragedy. Rick Vernon I am heartbroken by the tragic passing of Barry Christian. Barry loved Oklahoma and was willing to step forward in service to our state and that deserves respect, regardless of politics. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this unimaginable time. Please join me in praying for peace, comfort, and strength for all who knew and loved Barry. Who is Barry Christian? Christian was a 54-year-old Republican candidate for Senate District 38 from Sayre.
According to social media, Christian made an appearance at the Mangum Rattlesnake Derby to campaign for the State Senate seat on Saturday, just days before he went missing.
Earlier this month, Christian took to social media several times to discuss his campaign.
“The challenges we face in Oklahoma aren’t Republican or Democrat — they’re challenges of education, workforce, public safety, agriculture, and the ability for families to build a future here at home. These are everyday issues that require real solutions and real commitment. I’m running because I believe in the values that built towns like ours — faith, respect, honesty, and responsibility,” he said in a Facebook post.
Christian has spent his career as a drilling consultant, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.