Former Oklahoma punter Michael Winchester killed in airport shooting

Former University of Oklahoma punter Michael Winchester, the father of Kansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester, was identified by police as the airline employee killed in a shooting at Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport on Tuesday.

The elder Winchester, who worked for Southwest Airlines, was gunned down in a parking lot at the airport, according to local news media reports. He was 52.

The shooting occurred at 2:12 p.m. ET and resulted in a lockdown of the airport. Police confirmed two hours later that the shooting victim had died.

Oklahoma police said the shooting suspect was found dead in a vehicle. The identity of the suspect was not released.

Southwest Airlines confirmed that the victim was an employee of the airline.

“It is with great sorrow that Southwest Airlines confirms that a Southwest Employee who was injured during a shooting incident today at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City has died from injuries. We continue to work with the local authorities investigating this incident. As a result of the police investigation, local flight operations have been halted," the statement said. "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.”

Police shut down Oklahoma City airport after fatal shooting

Winchester, 52, played for the Sooners from 1984-86.

The airport handles between 7,000 and 8,000 passengers daily for Alaska, Delta, Southwest and United airlines.

"There are going to be some delays for flights until we have further information," Will Rogers Airport spokeswoman Karen Carney told AP. She said she thinks that the shooting is an isolated incident.

Streets around the airport were closed to traffic and citizens have been warned to stay clear, according to local media reports.

Flights at the airport have been suspended “until further notice,” the airport said via Twitter at 2:42 p.m. ET.

USA TODAY’s Ben Mutzabaugh and Rick Jervis contributed to this report.