ERICK, Okla. — The body of a missing Oklahoma State Senate candidate was discovered inside his vehicle in a rural wildlife area, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Barry Christian, 54, was reported missing April 29 after last being seen the previous day in Sayre, Oklahoma.

On Thursday morning, April 30th, Beckham County deputies located Christian’s vehicle around 9:45 a.m. in the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area, just south of Erick. As investigators processed the scene, they discovered a body inside the vehicle that was later positively identified as Christian.

Authorities said Christian was a candidate for the Oklahoma State Senate.

His body has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where an autopsy will determine the cause and manner of death.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OSBI tip line at 1-800-522-8017 or email tips@osbi.ok.gov.

Officials said multiple agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Sayre Police Department, Beckham County Sheriff’s Office, Elk City Fire Department and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.