OHP: Captain dies unexpectedly from sudden illness

An Oklahoma Highway Patrol captain died suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday at a hospital in Oklahoma City.

Capt. Rodrick "Pete" Norwood, Jr. served the state as a trooper for 18 years.

He was an OU grad, who played with the Sooners football team from 1989 to 1992.

OHP sent KRMG this statement:

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected death of Oklahoma Highway Patrol Captain Rodrick "Pete" Norwood, Jr. #24.

Captain Norwood died at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital on March 30, 2013, from a sudden illness.

Norwood graduated from Anadarko High School in 1989 and attended the University of Oklahoma where he played football for the Oklahoma Sooners and was a member of the OU Letterman's Association.

Captain Norwood graduated from the 48th Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy in 1995.  He had various assignments which included Troop J Enid, Garfield County, Oklahoma City Headquarters Public Information Office, Troop YC - H.E. Bailey Turnpike before being promoted to Lieutenant in 2005 out of the Public Information Office.  Captain Norwood was promoted to Captain in 2007 and assigned to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, before being assigned as the Executive Officer then Troop Commander for  Troop R - Capitol Section, in Oklahoma City. At the time of his death, Captain Norwood was the Department of Public Safety's Legislative Liaison at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City.

Captain Norwood leaves behind a wife, two sons and a step daughter.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 1300 hours at the Anadarko High School Gymnasium located at 407 W. Oklahoma Avenue, Anadarko, Oklahoma under the direction of the John Ireland funeral home.

Public viewing will be held at the LynLee Mae Chapel 507 E. Main, Moore, Oklahoma from 0900-2100 hours Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.