Horror at Oklahoma airport as father of NFL player is shot dead and ‘sniper’s nest’ is found in nearby garage near gunman’s body

THE father of an NFL player was executed by a sniper at an Oklahoma City airport in a ‘pre-meditated attack’ by a ‘former disgruntled employee’, it has been reported.

Southwest Airlines employee Michael Winchester, 52, was gunned down while working at Will Rogers World Airport on Tuesday at 12:50pm local time.

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Victim Michael Winchester (left) pictured with his son NFL player James Winchester[/caption]

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The victim is the father of NFL snapper James Winchester who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Police have confirmed the sniper was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

According to KFOR reporter Lance West, the killer may be a  “former disgruntled employee”.

Authorities revealed the suspect’s body was found in the back of a red pickup truck which was stationed on the second floor of an airport parking garage.

And because of his horrific head injuries, the sniper has only been identified as a white male.

The shots were fired in car park at the travel hub prompting city officials to close the airport and order people inside a sprawling terminal to seek shelter.

What appeared to be about a dozen police officers armed with rifles were seen patrolling on the roof of an airport car park on a live video feed from TV broadcaster KOCO.

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James Winchester, who played college football at University of Oklahoma, is the son of the airport sniper victim[/caption]

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Victim Michael Winchester, pictured with his wife, is the father of six children[/caption]

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The Winchester family featuring tragic dad Michael (back centre) next to his athlete son James[/caption]

Family man Winchester has six children – three of whom competed in college sports including athlete James who played football for the University of Oklahoma.

The 52-year-old’s employers released this statement following his tragic death.

The statement read: “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.”

Video from a television station helicopter showed what appeared to be a pool of blood near the bottom of a ramp leading from the airport's departure area. Two ambulances and a firetruck stood by.

Will Rogers World Airport is the main commercial air hub for Oklahoma City and provides an average of 150 flights a day.

Police were also pictured searching nearby vehicles and taking photos of license plates in the aftermath of the shocking killing.

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