Authorities in Oklahoma confirmed on Friday that the body of state senate candidate Barry Christian was discovered following an intensive multi-day search. The 54-year-old Republican politician had been reported missing by his family earlier this week after he failed to return home.
Law enforcement officers located Christian’s pickup truck parked in a remote section of a rural wildlife area on Thursday morning. Investigators immediately secured the perimeter to preserve potential evidence while forensic teams worked to access the vehicle in a difficult location.
The discovery was made in Hays County after officials were alerted to the presence of a vehicle that matched the description of the candidate's truck. Deputies confirmed the 2024 charcoal gray Ram truck belonged to Christian, who was last seen alive on Tuesday afternoon.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is currently leading the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the candidate's untimely death. Officials have stated that the scene is being treated as a high-priority investigation while they wait for more definitive answers.
Christian was a professional drilling consultant from Sayre who was actively campaigning for a seat in the state legislature. His campaign focused on conservative values and he frequently voiced his commitment to working alongside President Donald Trump.
Family members grew concerned when the candidate missed a pre-arranged meeting on Wednesday and stopped responding to phone calls or text messages. They worked closely with local police departments to coordinate search efforts across the western part of the state.
His daughter, Brooklyn, issued a heartfelt statement on Friday requesting that the public treat her father's legacy with dignity and grace. She noted that the family's world has been turned upside down as they struggle to process the sudden loss.
No suspects have been named in the case, and authorities have not yet confirmed whether they believe foul play was a factor. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is scheduled to perform an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death.
The local community has expressed deep shock over the news, as Christian was well-known for his dedication to his family and his professional career. Political leaders from across Oklahoma have begun offering their condolences to the Christian family during this difficult period.