Who was Barry Christian? Missing Oklahoma Senate candidate found dead in a ravine - What we know so far

Barry Christian, a 54-year-old Republican candidate for Oklahoma’s Senate District 38, was found dead on Thursday in a ravine at the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area near Highway 30, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Christian, who was based in Sayre, had been reported missing after failing to attend a scheduled meeting on Tuesday. Authorities said he was believed to be driving a 2024 charcoal gray Ram truck at the time of his disappearance. Just days earlier, he had been actively campaigning, including an appearance at the Mangum Rattlesnake Derby on Saturday, as noted in posts on social media.

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 that a truck matching the one belonging to Christian was found in that same area by Beckham County deputies.

“The vehicle we found matches the description of Mr. Christian,” OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee said as quoted by KOCO News 5.



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.

Agents at the scene located Christian’s body inside the pickup and his body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who will determine the cause and manner of his death, officials said.

Considered an ongoing investigation, OSBI officials are asking anyone with any information regarding Christian’s death to call the OSBI tip line at 800-522-8017 or by email at tips@osbi.ok.gov.