Missing Oklahoma State Senate Candidate Found Dead Near Texas Border

Barry Christian’s death prompted condolences from others involved in the Senate race.

Published: 5/1/2026, 4:21:04 PM EDT

Missing Oklahoma State Senate Candidate Found Dead Near Texas Border — Barry Christian, a Republican candidate for Oklahoma Senate District 38, was found dead Thursday inside his vehicle in western Oklahoma after being reported missing. (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation)

Barry Christian, a western Oklahoma businessman and Republican candidate for the Oklahoma State Senate, was found dead Thursday inside his vehicle in a remote wildlife management area, authorities said. Christian, 54, had been missing for nearly two days after he failed to appear for a scheduled meeting on Tuesday, according to family members and law enforcement.

Beckham County deputies discovered his vehicle around 9:45 a.m. Thursday in the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area south of Erick, near the Texas border, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) said.

OSBI agents processing the scene found a body inside the vehicle that was later positively identified as Christian, the agency said.

Investigators have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding his death, and the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.

“This is still an ongoing investigation,” OSBI said in a Thursday news release.

Christian was running in the Republican primary for Oklahoma Senate District 38, a largely rural district in western Oklahoma.

On campaign social media pages, Christian described himself as a “Sayre-based business owner, farmer, and oilfield professional” focused on issues affecting rural Oklahoma families and communities. He worked as a drilling consultant before seeking public office.

“My plan is simple: cut waste, protect your hard-earned money, and give local communities the control they deserve,” Christian wrote in a campaign statement posted online.

He also said, “I’ll fight for school options that prepare our kids for good-paying jobs right here in Oklahoma, support our first responders and rural healthcare, and remove barriers that hold back small businesses and farmers. I’ll champion rural broadband to keep our communities connected and ensure energy opportunities are developed responsibly to sustain our economy.”

Authorities said Christian was last seen on April 28 in Sayre. He was reported missing after he failed to show up for a meeting. The Sayre Police Department requested OSBI assistance on Thursday after Christian had been reported missing the previous day.

Before he was found, family members publicly pleaded for information about his whereabouts.

Brooklyn Christian, his daughter, posted on social media asking anyone with details about her father’s disappearance to contact her or law enforcement.

After authorities confirmed his death, she released a statement through Oklahoma City television station KOCO thanking those who helped search for him. “Our world is upside down right now,” Brooklyn Christian said. “We are still not sure of everything that happened, so please act with grace and treat my dad’s legacy with dignity.”

Farrah Christian, the mother of Christian’s child, also posted a tribute online Thursday, remembering their years together and describing him as someone who deeply loved his children and grandchildren.

“Barry Christian…you were the best ride of my life. We had lots of ups and downs, twists and turns, and even though we didn’t end up together, we always stayed close, and we have the most beautiful children and grandchildren who you loved so deeply. You taught me how to cook, you taught me how to love. I just don’t know how we are supposed to live without you. My heart aches more than I can bear right now,” she wrote.

Christian’s death prompted condolences from others involved in the Senate race.

Joe Buchanan, another Republican candidate for District 38, wrote on Facebook that he and his wife were devastated by the news and offered prayers for Christian’s family and friends. “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,” Buchanan wrote.

Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to contact the OSBI tip line at 1-800-522-8017 or [email protected].