Barry Christian, state Senate candidate found dead in western Oklahoma, died by suicide, ME says
The medical examiner says missing Oklahoma state Senate candidate Barry Christian died by suicide in April. Here's the latest.
The medical examiner says missing Oklahoma state Senate candidate Barry Christian died by suicide in April. Here's the latest.
Barry Christian, a state Senate candidate who was found dead in April after disappearing in western Oklahoma, died by suicide, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
| VIDEO ABOVE | Barry Christian, state Senate candidate found dead, remembered as loving father
The medical examiner's report, which was released Tuesday, said Christian died from a gunshot wound to the head. He was 54 years old.
Christian was a candidate for Oklahoma Senate District 38. He was from Sayre.
When was Barry Christian first reported missing?
Christian 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. OSBI officials said they were contacted by the Sayre Police Department about the disappearance of Christian.
Truck and body found in wildlife refuge
Christian's body was found inside his pickup on April 30 at the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area near Erick in Beckham County.
>> Video Below: Missing Senate candidate Barry Christian found dead in Oklahoma wildlife area
The Beckham County Sheriff's Office told KOCO 5 that a deputy was patrolling the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Refuge Thursday morning when they contacted a hunter who had seen a vehicle crash off a high ridge overlooking Fish Creek.
That vehicle belonged to Christian, and his body was found inside the pickup truck.
Statement from Barry Christian's family
His daughter, Brooklyn, sent the news release to KOCO after he was found dead.
"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," said his daughter, Brooklyn. "We are extremely grateful to 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."
>> Video Below: Family comes together to support each other after Barry Christian's death
His family remembered him as a loving father.
"He was all about fun. You know, he wanted to have fun with his kids," said Farrah Christian, Barry's ex-wife. "He had an RV at one point, and he would take the kids on RV trips and go four-wheeling, ride motorcycles. It was all about adventure for him, and, you know, he made so many wonderful memories with the kids."
Statements from Barry Christian's Senate primary opponents
Joe Buchanan
"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."
Rick Vernon
"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. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this unimaginable time. Please join me in praying for peace, comfort, and strength for all who knew and loved Barry."
Oklahomans in need of mental health support can contact 988 to be connected with a trained behavioral health professional.