By Edward Muniz, Fort Sill Public Affairs

FORT SILL, Okla. — The Fort Sill community and the 434th Field Artillery Brigade are deeply saddened to confirm the death of Pfc. Ocean K. Winfrey, who died in an incident on Interstate 44 on Sept. 11, 2026.

Winfrey enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 2026 as a network communications specialist (military occupational specialty 25H). He arrived at Fort Sill in September 2026 and was assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment, 434th Field Artillery Brigade, to complete Basic Combat Training.

Col. Tony H. Brunner, commander of the 434th Field Artillery Brigade, expressed the unit’s profound sorrow:

“The loss of Private First Class Winfrey is felt deeply across our entire brigade,” Brunner said. “When Ocean raised his right hand to serve, he stepped forward to be part of something greater than himself, something that less than one percent of the U.S. population volunteer to do, and we honor his commitment and willingness to answer our nation’s call. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and the Soldiers and Drill Sergeants of Bravo Battery during this unimaginably difficult time. The Winfrey family will always remain part of the 434th Field Artillery Brigade family.”

The incident remains under investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol with the assistance of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. Out of respect for the privacy of the Winfrey family during this difficult period, no additional details regarding the incident will be released at this time.

Unit chaplains, behavioral health professionals and command teams remain actively engaged across the brigade to provide grief counseling and support services to trainees, cadre, and staff.

Queries can be directed to the Fort Sill Public Affairs Office at usarmy.sill.fcoe.mbx.pao@army.mil.