Oklahoma Senate candidate Barry Christian found dead days after going missing

ERICK, OKLAHOMA: Republican Oklahoma State Senate candidate Barry Christian has been found dead days after he was reported missing earlier this week, according to local authorities and multiple reports.

The 54-year-old had launched his campaign for the Oklahoma Senate last year and was endorsed by Kid Rock. Officials said Christian was first reported missing after he failed to attend a scheduled meeting on Tuesday, prompting a search effort.

Barry Christian’s truck found in Sandy Sanders wildlife area during search

Authorities later located Christian’s pickup truck in the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area, a rural area where search teams had been focusing their efforts.

The discovery of the car was a major breakthrough in the investigation into his disappearance.

Law enforcement agencies and volunteers had been searching for Christian after alarm was raised when he did not turn up for the meeting.

The exact timeline of his disappearance has not been released in full, but officials confirmed the search ended after his body was found.

OSBI said Christian was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine his cause of death.

Christian had recently been active in public events. Reports noted that just days before he was reported missing, he attended the Mangum Rattlesnake Derby, an annual event in Oklahoma that draws local residents and visitors.

Family asks for privacy as investigation into Barry Christian’s death continues

Following the news, Christian’s daughter, Brooklyn, shared a statement asking for privacy and respect as the family processes the loss. She said the family is still trying to understand the circumstances surrounding his death.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Christian’s youngest daughter told News 9 that he “wanted nothing more than to provide and protect his family. He lived only for his kids. He loved his kid with everything in him.”

Christian was last seen on Tuesday and failed to appear for a scheduled meeting.

At the time of his disappearance, Christian was a candidate for Oklahoma Senate District 38.

On Thursday afternoon, officials with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Christian's truck had been found in a rural area on the side of the road, south of Erick.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Christian’s death comes during his first run for public office, adding to the shock within local political circles and the community.