Missing Man's Body Found, Gives Family Some Measure Of Peace

Tommy Eastep was a 31-year-old father of two who went missing in 2013.

He was headed to a family get-together at Lake Eufaula, but vanished without a trace on July 6th.

At first, he family thought he'd gone to see friends, but after a week of no contact, their worry turned into fear.

"As a mom, I got a really sick, gut feeling and I couldn't shake it. I knew something was wrong," said Carla Eastep, Tommy's mother.

Carla was so worried she couldn't eat or sleep. Then, Tommy's truck was found two months later near the lake. His wallet and money were still inside, but his phone was missing.

"It's one of those nightmares you don't ever want to have. You see it happen to other people, but you never expect it to happen to you," Carla said.

For Carla, not knowing what happened was the most unimaginable part. She remembers that first year was almost too much to bear.

"You constantly worry. It's never off your mind," said Carla. "You have to go through life, but it's like there's this constant scream inside you that nobody hears but yourself."

About four years later, in 2017, hunters found Tommy's remains not far from where his truck had been located.

"I was relieved that they had found him. Of course, we had hoped for a better outcome, but I was glad to know that I was going to have him back home," Carla said.

She works with other families who are still waiting for answers and she's involved in missing persons day each year. Carla has this simple piece of advice for those with a missing loved one.

"You just don't give up. You don't give up hope," said Carla.

To report a tip about a missing persons case, call 918-772-7568 or email coldcase@osbi.ok.gov