Barry Christian's Former Wife, Kids Release Heartbreaking Tributes
The former wife and kids of Oklahoman Barry Christian have released heartbreaking tributes after the state Senate candidate was found dead in a wildlife management area.
On April 30, 2025, the Sayre Police Department in Oklahoma requested that the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate a missing person. On April 29, the Sayre Police Department “received a report regarding 54-year-old Barry Christian, who was last seen on April 28 in Sayre, Oklahoma,” a press release posted by OSBI says.According to News9, Christian was reported missing after he didn't show up for a meeting.
His daughter, Brooklyn, told News 9: “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. We’re extremely grateful for 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 Say They Discovered Barry Christian's Body Inside a Vehicle
The OSBI's news release provides some details.
“On the morning of April 30, around 9:45 a.m., Christian’s vehicle was discovered by Beckham County deputies in the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area, just south of Erick Oklahoma," it says.
OKLAHOMA STATE SENATE CANDIDATE FOUND DECEASED#OSBI #OneTeamOneMission pic.twitter.com/gONl0Jko09
— OSBI (@OSBI_OK) May 1, 2026
As OSBI special agents processed the scene, “they discovered a body inside the vehicle, who was positively identified as Christian,” the police statement continues. “It was determine that Christian was an Oklahoma State Senate candidate.”
One of his opponents, Joe Buchanan, wrote on Facebook, "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." According to People, Christian was one of three primary candidates for the position.
According to Daily Beast, "His remains were found near a ravine in the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area, with a large sign for his campaign tossed nearby."
Barry Christian's Former Wife, Farrah Christian, Wrote, 'You Were the Best Ride of My Life'
Christian's former wife, Farrah Christian, shared a tribute on her Facebook page and wrote, “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."
She added, "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."
His last Facebook page came on April 25, when he wrote, "Join us for a spirited community gathering at the Mangum Oklahoma Rattlesnake Festival, where neighbors, families, and local supporters come together to celebrate wildlife, culture, and the enduring spirit of District 38." His page says Barry Christian was a drilling consultant.
Barry Christian's Cause of Death Is Not Yet Clear, Authorities Say
How did Christian die? His cause of death is not yet clear.
Christian “was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine his cause and manner (of) death,” the police wrote.
“This is still an ongoing information. Anyone with additional information regarding this case is asked to contact the OSBI tip line at 1-800-522-8017 or tips@osbi.ok.gov," they added.
The OSBI wrote that it appreciates “the Sayre Police Department, Beckham County Sheriff’s Office, Elk City Fire Department, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for their continued assistance with this investigation.”