News9 reports that the suspect in a fatal shooting at Will Rogers World Airport has been found dead.
The suspect’s body was found in a pickup in the parking garage, according to police sources. That person has not yet been identified and police have not said how they died.
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Authorities were called to the airport around 12:30 p.m. to reports of the shooting outside of the parking garage.
The victim, 52-year-old Michael Winchester, was transported from the scene in “emergency condition” to OU Medical Center. Just before 3:30 p.m., police confirmed that Winchester had died at the hospital. A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines later confirmed that Winchester was one of their employees.
Tactical teams were called in to conduct a search of the airport for the suspect shortly after the shooting. Initial reports indicated that there might have been a second victim, but investigators later ruled that out as a possibility.
An airport spokesperson said via Twitter that all inbound and outbound air traffic has been suspended due to the shooting. In addition, OKC Police say they have shut down the airport and are asking those inside to shelter in place as the investigation continues.
Southwest Airlines notified fliers via Twitter that all inbound and outbound flights in OKC would be canceled until at least 6 p.m. The airline released the following statement about the shooting:
“It is with great sorrow that Southwest Airlines confirms that a Southwest Employee who was injured during a shooting incident today at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City has died from injuries. We continue to work with the local authorities investigating this incident.
As a result of the police investigation, local flight operations have been halted. We’re working to accommodate Customers still in the airport when it was locked down as well as cancelling flights departing from Oklahoma City for the remainder of the day.
The Southwest Airlines Family is deeply saddened by the passing of our Southwest Family Member, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies and support to his family and Southwest Co-workers at this time.”
Multiple news organizations say Winchester was a former punter for the Oklahoma Sooners from 1984-1986, and lettered on Barry Switzer’s 1985 national championship team. The victim’s son, James Winchester, is also a former Sooner football player and current long snapper for the Kansas City Chiefs.
