Oklahoma currently has 999 active missing persons cases, with authorities fearing that many others go unreported. Among these cases is the disappearance of Tommy Eastep, a 31-year-old man who vanished after a family weekend at Lake Eufaula during the Fourth of July in 2013. Tommy’s mother, Carla Eastep, shared her story of relentless searching and the emotional toll of living with uncertainty.
Tommy, described by his mother as independent but always one to check in, was reported missing after family members lost contact with him. Carla took immediate action, knocking on doors, posting flyers, and searching the heavily wooded areas around the lake. Despite her efforts, there was no trace of her son.
A Long Search for Answers
Nine months after Tommy’s disappearance, his abandoned truck was found in Hughes County, but there was still no sign of Tommy. Carla’s search continued, as she dreamed of her son, holding on to the hope that he would return home.
“I’ve had dreams about him, and I love it when I dream about him because I can touch and hold him,” Carla said, holding on to the comfort those dreams provided.
Missing in Oklahoma Day: A Turning Point
In her ongoing search, Carla learned about Missing in Oklahoma Day, an annual event organized by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations (OSBI) and the Medical Examiner’s Office. The event provides families with essential investigative support, offering resources like on-site reports, DNA collection, and counseling free of charge.
At the event, Carla brought her son’s police reports, photos, and personal information, hoping to find some answers. While at the event, she was told that Tommy may have been found. But it would take three-and-a-half years before her search for closure would come to an end.
The Discovery and a Sense of Peace
In 2017, after years of searching, Tommy was found dead in the same area that had been combed through multiple times before. Although it was not the outcome Carla had hoped for, the discovery brought a sense of peace, knowing that her son was no longer missing.
“They’re so real,” Carla said. “But he let me know he’s okay.”
From Grief to Support
Now, Carla returns to Missing in Oklahoma Day, but not as someone searching for answers. Instead, she offers her support to other families who are going through similar heartache.
“They just want somebody to listen, to know somebody cares,” Carla said, emphasizing the importance of community and support during such a painful time.
Carla now fights for others who are still searching, driven by the love for her son and the hope that other families can find the justice and closure she found.
“He wouldn’t want me to be sad, so instead I fight for others,” Carla said.
Details for Missing in Oklahoma Day
Missing in Oklahoma Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. Families of missing persons are encouraged to bring photos, records, and family members to provide DNA samples and receive assistance in the search for their loved ones.
