The search for missing Oklahoma State Senate candidate Barry Christian has ended in tragedy.
Christian was found dead inside his vehicle in the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area just two days after he disappeared, according to a statement from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has yet to release the 54-year-old’s cause of death.
What Happened to State Senate Candidate Barry Christian?
Christian was last seen April 28 in Sayre, Oklahoma, according to authorities. He was reported missing the following day after he failed to show up for a meeting, per News 9.
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 DeathIn 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.”
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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.
