NFL player James Winchester’s father, Michael Winchester, was shot and killed at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Tuesday, November 15.
The shooter was also found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a parking garage, Oklahoma City Police Department Captain Paco Balderrama told CNN. The suspect has not yet been identified.
“It’s too early in the investigation to figure out the exact motive, although the crime does appear to be premeditated,” Balderrama said. Authorities believe the shooter waited in his truck for Michael, a Southwest Airlines employee, to either arrive for or leave work. The shooting caused the airport to be on lockdown for hours and no commercial flights were permitted to take off or land.
According to CNN, the airline issued a statement offering condolences to the Winchester family. “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 coworkers at this time,” the statement read.
https://twitter.com/OU_WBBall/status/798693174885683200
Michael and his son, James, both played football for the University of Oklahoma Sooners. According to the Sooners website, Michael was a punter and member of the 1985 national championship team. James, 27, currently plays long snapper for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs also tweeted their support after the tragic incident: “Our love and support is with James and the entire Winchester family. Our heartfelt thoughts & prayers are with you.”
