Month: May 2026

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.”

Related:

Spirit Airlines could soon be flying into the sunset for good.

According to a new report from the Wall Street Journal, the budget airline is preparing to cease all operations after failing to secure the funds necessary to keep it running. This after the government offered a $500 million loan to keep it afloat.

As of Friday, May 1, the airline told Yahoo Financethat it’s “operating as usual,” but that may not last. Per CBS News, Spirit could cease operations as soon as Saturday, May 2.

Inside Spirit Airlines’ Money Woes

The airline first filed for Chapter 11 in November 2024, before filing again in March 2025. A proposed merger with JetBlue was also blocked by a federal judge in 2024.

With Spirit now in its second bankruptcy in less than a year, the airline’s lawyer, Marshall Huebner, said in court on April 23 that the airline’s money “is not going to last for very much longer,” per CNBC

While the airline did expect to get out of bankruptcy by this summer, an increase in fuel prices amid the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran added to the financial burden.

All this left Spirit in desperate need of a lifeline.

Possible Government Bailout

That possible lifeline came in April, when the Trump administration offered a $500 million bailout.

The deal could have given the government up to 90% stake in the airline, though WSJ reports there were disagreements within the administration on how to fund the bailout, while Spirit bondholders weren’t all on board with the plan either.

On Friday, Trump said a “final” proposal has been given to Spirit.

“If we could do it, we’d do it, but only if it’s a good deal this weekend, because they haven’t gotten a deal looking at it,” he said. “I said I’d like to save the jobs, but we’ll have an announcement sometime today…We gave them a final proposal.”

What Happens If Spirit Shuts Down?

According to CNBC, United Airlines said the carrier is “preparing to support Spirit customers and employees” should the shutdown occur. WSJ also reported that the White House reached out to other airlines for similar assistance should all Spirit’s passengers suddenly find themselves stranded.

As for how passengers can prepare for a potential shutdown, both Yahoo Finance and travel blog View from the Wing have some suggestions on what to do next.

Flyers are being urged to seek alternative travel arrangements, if possible, and sooner rather than later.

Both outlets recommend booking travel with a credit card that offers travel insurance, which often includes reimbursement for cancellations and delays. They also suggest that passengers dispute charges with their credit card companies if their flights are canceled.

The U.S. Department of Transportation says that while “bankruptcy law is complicated and can affect your right to a refund,” adding that the company “may be temporarily prohibited from providing refunds and/or vouchers – for example, to conserve assets.”

CNBC points out, however, that the DOT also says, “If an airline or ticket agent that has filed for bankruptcy refuses to refund you for a flight that has been canceled and you used a credit card to purchase your ticket, you may be entitled to a credit from your credit card company under the Fair Credit Billing Act.”

As Men’s Journal also pointed out, passengers should also download their boarding passes and keep a physical record of confirmation numbers and tickets, as the airline’s website and app may go offline.