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OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Will Rogers World Airport temporarily halted all arrivals and departures on Tuesday afternoon after an employee of Southwest Airlines was shot dead, authorities said. Oklahoma City police said Michael Winchester was shot by a gunman in an airport parking lot around 2 p.m. local time Tuesday.
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Winchester, 52, was taken to Oklahoma University Medical Center where he died of his injuries. Winchester, incidentally, played football at Oklahoma from 1984 to 1986 and has a son who played there and is now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.
"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," the airline said in a statement.
Police later found the suspected shooter dead inside a vehicle parked at the airport. The accused shooter's name was not immediately disclosed by authorities.
Tonight, our thoughts and prayers are with Carolyn and the entire Winchester family. pic.twitter.com/XFDxxDZ4DL
— Oklahoma Basketball (@OU_WBBall) November 16, 2016Advertisement
"Our love and support is with James and the entire Winchester family. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you," the Chiefs organization said.
Will Rogers is the busiest airport in Oklahoma and handles about 4 million passengers per year. Named for iconic western actor and comedian Will Rogers, who is often known as "Oklahoma's favorite son," it is mostly served by Southwest Airlines.
The airport said no passengers at the airport will be charged normal fees to rebook or rearrange flights.
Oklahoma City's other main airport, Wiley Post Airport, was not affected by the shooting.
