Barry Christian, a state Senate candidate from Sayre, Oklahoma, was found dead in his pickup truck at the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area near Erick in Beckham County. The medical examiner’s report confirmed that Christian died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 54 years old.
Background
Christian was a candidate for Oklahoma Senate District 38. He was first reported missing on April 28 after he failed to show up for a scheduled meeting. The Harmon County Sheriff’s Office and the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office asked the public for help finding Christian one day later.
Christian’s body was found inside his pickup on April 30 at the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area. A deputy was patrolling the area when they contacted a hunter who had seen a vehicle crashed off a high ridge overlooking Fish Creek. The vehicle belonged to Christian, and his body was found inside the pickup truck.
Family Statement
Christian’s daughter, Brooklyn, released a statement after his death, saying, ‘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.’ Christian’s family remembered him as a loving father who enjoyed spending time with his children and going on adventures.
Christian’s ex-wife, Farrah, said, ‘He was all about fun. You know, he wanted to have fun with his kids.’ She recalled that Christian had an RV and would take the kids on RV trips and go four-wheeling and ride motorcycles.
Reactions from Senate Primary Opponents
Joe Buchanan, one of Christian’s primary opponents, said, ‘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.’ Another opponent, Rick Vernon, stated, ‘I am heartbroken by the tragic passing of Barry Christian. Barry loved Oklahoma and was willing to step forward in service to our state and that deserves respect, regardless of politics.’
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
