Today, Governor Kevin Stitt granted clemency to Tremane Wood. Afterwards, he met with his attorneys for several hours, then began the process of moving off death row. During a routine check, Wood was found unresponsive in his cell by a correctional officer. While settling into his new cell, Wood experienced a medical event that resulted in injuries. Out of extreme caution, ODOC transported Wood to a nearby hospital for further examination. It was determined that Wood’s medical event occurred due to dehydration and stress.
During a phone call with Chief of Public Relations Kay Thompson, Wood confirmed that he “[felt] fine now” and that he “can't really explain what happened.” He stated that he laid down to sleep and “must have rolled off his bunk.” The next thing he remembers is waking “up in the infirmary with [his] head busted and [his] lip busted.” Wood said that the last time he ate or drank anything was during his “last meal” at 5:22 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12. He also confirmed that no one else was in his cell at the time of the medical event and that he did not do anything intentionally to cause it. After returning from the hospital, Wood spoke with his family.
“I’m extremely proud of my team today,” stated ODOC Executive Director Justin Farris. “It is our statutory duty to carry out court-ordered sentences, and our staff always perform their duties with extreme professionalism and with the utmost respect and compassion. Today's events highlight the tremendous job they do day in and day out, especially during high-profile events.
“I’m especially proud of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary staff for responding to this critical incident in a timely manner and ensuring Mr. Wood received the best medical care possible. Our boots-on-the-ground staff are the backbone of this agency and I am truly grateful for their dedication to the agency, to each other, to those in our care and to the state of Oklahoma.”
