Fort Sill Identifies Trainee Killed in I-44 Incident

Overview

• Fort Sill announced Monday that Pfc. Ocean K. Winfrey was the soldier who died after being struck on Interstate 44 on Friday, Sept. 11.
• Winfrey enlisted in August 2026 as a network communications specialist (MOS 25H), arrived at Fort Sill in September to begin Basic Combat Training, and was assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment.
• The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is leading the probe with assistance from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and Fort Sill has declined to release further details during the active investigation.
• Col. Tony H. Brunner wrote that the brigade mourns Winfrey and Fort Sill has activated chaplains, behavioral health professionals, and command teams to provide grief counseling and support to trainees, cadre, and staff.
• Basic Combat Training units normally limit trainees’ movement and civilian authorities typically handle traffic deaths involving service members, so investigators and the base community will be watching whether the inquiry leads to changes in accountability or access rules.