Dramatic Turn of Events for Condemned Man
In a shocking twist of fate, an Oklahoma death row inmate experienced a medical emergency just hours after Governor Kevin Stitt spared him from execution. Tremane Wood, 46, was scheduled to receive lethal injection on Thursday, November 13, when he received the last-minute reprieve that converted his sentence to life without parole.
Medical Crisis After Emotional Reprieve
Department of Corrections spokeswoman Kay Thompson confirmed that prison guards discovered Wood unresponsive during a routine check of his cell. The incident occurred after Wood had met with his attorneys following the governor's clemency decision.
Prison officials later determined that dehydration and extreme stress caused Wood's medical collapse. According to a recorded interview released by the Department of Corrections, Wood explained he was alone in his cell when he decided to lie down. He believes he lost consciousness and fell from his bunk.
"I didn't have all my senses," Wood stated in the recording. "I woke up in the infirmary with my head busted and my lip busted, and that's pretty much it right there."
The inmate clarified that he hadn't eaten anything since the previous day but emphasized he did not attempt to harm himself. Medical staff treated Wood, and by Thursday evening, he was reported to be in stable condition and alert.
Victim's Family Supports Clemency Decision
In a remarkable display of compassion, family members of Ronnie Wipf - the 19-year-old victim - supported Wood's clemency petition. Wipf grew up in a Hutterite religious community in Montana before his tragic death.
Governor Stitt specifically cited their "Christian forgiveness and love" in his statement announcing the decision. This marks only the second time the Republican governor has granted clemency during his nearly seven years in office.
Wood was convicted of fatally stabbing Wipf during a failed robbery attempt in 2002. However, Wood consistently maintained that his brother, who later died while serving a life sentence, was actually responsible for the killing.
The governor's order ensures Wood will never be eligible to apply for or receive commutation, pardon, or parole for the remainder of his life. Despite his medical scare and permanent incarceration, Wood expressed gratitude toward Governor Stitt, saying in the recording: "Tell Governor Stitt I said 'thank you.'"
