How did NYPD detective Sammy Lee die? Cops remember 38-year-old dad of two as 'an all-round great guy'
QUEENS, NEW YORK CITY: NYPD detective Sammy Lee from New York City succumbed to death after he battled liver cancer for nearly a year. The Iraq War veteran and the detective assigned to the NYPD's Intelligence Bureau who died on Tuesday, January 17 at the age of 38 was diagnosed in July 2022, stated his friends.
“One of best guys in the world,” a police source described the late NYPD detective who is a father of two children. On his record, there are nearly a dozen commendations, according to the New York Post. “Everyone liked him. Never heard a negative comment about him. Just an all-around great guy," the source said.
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Honoring the deceased officer, cops gathered overnight on Wednesday, January 18, at Queens street when his body was moved out of an ambulance, as per the news outlet. Lee was an Army Veteran who worked near hazardous burn pits while serving Operation Iraqi Freedom and the union officials cited this work at the alerting area to be the cause of his cancer. In 2009, he joined the NYPD.
Lee's family raised a fundraiser on 'Fund the First' two months after his cancer diagnosis. "He has served and protected NYC for almost 15 years. Sammy is known around the precinct for his fun, carefree attitude that helps everyone get through the day with a laugh. He’s also known for his strong work ethic and helpfulness to those in need. He is a husband and father of two young children," stated the page created on September 6, 2022
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 18, Paul DiGiacomo, President of the Detectives Endowment Association expressed their grief at the loss of Lee and wrote, “Sammy epitomized courage- whether is was battling cancer or crime in our city. An army veteran who proudly protected America during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sammy's dedication to service continued when he joined the NYPD in 2009.”
“The entire union stands in support of his wife and two young children. Sammy is forever in our prayers,” concluded the DEA's statement.
DEA Statement on Passing of Detective Sammy Lee pic.twitter.com/TZIkZv3Js3
— Detectives' Endowment Association (@NYCPDDEA) January 18, 2023
Lee who fought his disease for months and died on Tuesday is survived by his wife and two infants, one and two years old.
