Fort Sill soldier killed in interstate accident had just arrived for basic training

A soldier who was struck and killed last week while traveling on an interstate near Fort Sill, Okla., was identified Monday, according to a service news release.

Pfc. Ocean K. Winfrey was assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment, 434th Field Artillery Brigade. He arrived at Fort Sill this month to begin basic combat training after enlisting in the Army in August, the release said.

“The loss of Private First Class Winfrey is felt deeply across our entire brigade,” said Col. Tony H. Brunner, commander of the 434th Field Artillery Brigade. “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.”

No additional details about the incident were released, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Fort Sill is a basic combat training facility and home to the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, where soldiers train in artillery.