The body of Barry Christian, a Republican candidate for Oklahoma State Senate District 38, was found Thursday in a rural area of western Oklahoma, according to state authorities and his campaign, as reported by the New York Post.

Christian, 54, had been reported missing earlier in the week after failing to attend a scheduled meeting. He was last seen driving his 2024 charcoal gray Ram truck, according to the Harmon County Sheriff’s Office.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirmed that the vehicle was located just off Highway 30, south of Erick, Oklahoma, with a body inside. The truck was discovered near a ravine close to the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area.

Authorities said the location of the vehicle has complicated recovery efforts, preventing immediate removal of the body and delaying formal identification. The circumstances surrounding Christian’s death have not been determined, and officials have not released additional details about the cause.

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Christian’s campaign confirmed his disappearance, and later, the discovery of his vehicle in a statement obtained by local outlet KOCO. A campaign sign bearing his name was also found discarded on nearby prairie land as investigators searched the area.

Christian was reported missing on Tuesday after not appearing for a previously scheduled meeting. His last public communication came Saturday, when he posted on Facebook, inviting residents of District 38 to attend a meet-and-greet at the Mangum Oklahoma Rattlesnake Festival.

In the post, he encouraged constituents to discuss “issues that matter most to our community.”

According to his campaign website, Christian described himself as the “conservative choice” for the district. The site stated he planned to “proudly stand with President Trump” and “fight for the traditional conservative values that make America great” if elected.

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Following the discovery, Christian’s daughter, Brooklyn Christian, released a statement expressing the family’s grief.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Authorities have not indicated whether foul play is suspected, and the investigation remains ongoing. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.

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Christian’s death comes as the race for the District 38 seat continues, though no further information has been released regarding how his passing may affect the election process.

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