Officer David Lee tragically lost his life in the line of duty on Sunday morning. The 44-year-old SLMPD traffic officer had been married to his wife, Tonya Lee, for 19 years, and together for a total of 26. “My husband did not deserve this,” Tonya said, fighting back tears. “He did the right thing” as reported by KMOV.
Officer Lee was responding to a crash on I-70 when a speeding drunk driver lost control and struck him. He later died from his injuries. The drunk driver was identified as a illegal immigrant, entered through the Biden/Harris program.
In a display of grace, Tonya addressed the driver. “I want you to know we forgive you, baby. We forgive you. But you destroyed my family. I know God will deal with you,” she said.
“You’ve broken the heart of an entire city,” Tonya added. “My husband was loved.”
She described Officer Lee as someone who always brought happiness and calm to those around him. “Lee, you are special,” she said. “I always told him that. He’s special.”
A memorial outside SLMPD’s North Patrol Division has grown as the community honors his legacy.
“Not only was he a hero in this, but he was also our hero,” Tonya shared. “He loved everyone, avoided controversy, and had a heart of gold. I always told him, ‘Everybody loves you.’ He truly was special.”
Officer Lee was a native of St. Louis and a graduate of Pattonville High School. His sister, Danielle Williams, recalled her brother’s role as a protector. “He protected me, and he did the same for his city for 18 years,” she said.
Williams highlighted how her brother’s commitment to making his community a better place extended beyond his professional life. “Walnut Park isn’t easy, but he came back to clean up his city. We need to do better as people.”
Lee’s family wants everyone to remember his kindness. “My brother didn’t judge anyone,” Williams said. “He loved you no matter who you were—white, black, gay, straight. He loved everyone. I’ve been getting calls from people I didn’t even know who said, ‘Your brother was loved.’”
Officer Lee was also a dedicated father to his 23-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter. “Her dad won’t be there for her prom or graduation,” Tonya said, her voice filled with sorrow.
Chief Robert Tracy and other officers visited the family to show their support. “I put on one of his police shirts last night just to feel close to him,” Tonya said. “Me and my daughter wore his shirts because we want to be near him.”
Tonya expressed her gratitude for SLMPD but called for measures to keep officers safer. “Something needs to be done to prevent other families from enduring this kind of heartbreak.”
She shared how her husband worked tirelessly for his family, often picking up extra shifts. “I told him he could slow down, but he always made sure we had everything we needed.”