On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Police Officer David Lee was struck and killed by a vehicle while assisting at a crash scene on eastbound I-70, just east of the Adelaide Avenue exit, at about 8:30 am.

Officer Lee was retrieving traffic cones from the rear of his patrol vehicle when the driver of a speeding vehicle lost control, spinning on the wet pavement and struck him.

Officer Lee was transported to SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital where he succumbed to injuries while in surgery.

The 24 year-old suspect driver was taken into custody and charged with DWI, death of a law enforcement officer, speeding and driving without a license. The suspect was previously convicted of DWI following a 2020 arrest.

Officer Lee had served with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for 18 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.