The Oklahoma Department of Corrections announced today the on-duty death of Corporal Robert Sumner, who worked at John Lilley Correctional Center in Boley, Okla. His untimely death occurred after an early morning two-vehicle accident on Sunday, July 14. JLCC Corporal Andrew Freppon was also involved in the accident, and he is currently in the hospital recovering from his injuries.
"Our agency is absolutely devastated by yesterday's events," stated ODOC Executive Director Steven Harpe. "Having two dedicated employees from the same facility involved in such a tragic incident is extremely hard to comprehend.
"Our prayers and thoughts are with Cpl. Sumner's family and friends and all JLCC staff. We are also praying for Cpl. Freppon's speedy recovery."
Both corporals graduated from the ODOC academy in November 2023.
About the accident
At approximately 5:22 a.m. on July 14, Cpl. Robert Sumner and Cpl. Andrew Freppon collided on Highway 62, one mile east of Meeker, Okla. The cause of the collision is still under investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Cpl. Sumner was driving an ODOC van and was on his way to OU Medical Center in Edmond to work a hospital shift. The other vehicle involved in the accident was driven by Cpl. Freppon, who was en route to JLCC for his regular duty shift. He was in his personal vehicle.
Cpl. Sumner was found unresponsive by local first responders and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene. Cpl. Freppon sustained leg and internal trunk injuries. He was flown from the scene to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, where he is in stable condition following surgery.
