Tragic News: Sammy Lee, NYPD Detective and Dad of Two, Dead at 38

Chisom Ndianefo
Detective Sammy Lee
twitter | Twitter

Death really takes the best ones away, as this New York City detective, who is also an Iraq War veteran, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 38 after battling liver cancer for several months. Sources have described Sammy Lee as a great guy.

Keep reading for the details.

Detective Sammy Lee

The 38-year-old surrendered to cancer on Tuesday after months of diagnosis which began in July 2022. He works as a detective in the New York City detective and is an Iraq War veteran.

NYPD Bureau

NYPD vehicle
Unsplash | Gianandrea Villa

Sammy Lee was assigned to NYPD's Intelligence Bureau and his friends described him as "one of the best guys in the world."

Great Comments On Sammy Lee

The father of two has nearly 12 commendations on his record and everyone likes him. According to the source, they've never heard a negative comment about him, "just an all-around great guy."

Tributes To A Hero

Ambulance
Unsplash | Lalithmalhaar Gudi

Cops trooped out in their numbers on Queens Street on Wednesday evening to pay homage to the officer as his body was wheeled out of the ambulance.

Joining The NYPD

After joining NYPD in 2009, Lee became a detective and had years of meritorious service under his badge.

Operation Iraqi Freedom

He joined Operation Iraqi Freedom, where union officers have revealed that the hazardous burn pits he worked at may be the cause of his cancer.

Word From The Detective Endowment Association

Paul DiGiacomo, president of the Detectives Endowment Association described the late detective as the epitome of courage.

A Dedicated Detective

NYPD
Giphy | Law & Order

DiGiacomo's statement also spoke about his dedication.

“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.”

Fundraiser For Sammy

Donate
Giphy | INTO ACTION

His family opened a fundraiser for the war veteran two months after his cancer diagnosis. The description stated his fun and carefree attitude toward everyone.

"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

Support From The Union

In the DEA's statement, they promised to support the family and keep Sammy in their prayers forever. The fallen officer died and left behind a wife and two young children.

Liver Cancer In The United States

An operating theatre
Unsplash | National Cancer Institute

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 25,000 men and 11,000 women get liver cancer, and about 19,000 men and 9,000 women die from the disease.

Symptoms Of Liver Cancer

The center cited the following as signs of liver cancer: A swollen abdomen, a hard lump on the right side just below the rib cage, unusual tiredness, nausea and vomiting, discomfort in the upper abdomen on the right side, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).

Causes Of Liver Cancer

The Human Liver
Giphy | RetroCollage

The disease is caused by a series of things, including drinking alcohol, having diabetes, hemochromatosis, smoking cigarettes, being overweight, and long-term hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection.

How To Reduce the Risk Of Liver Cancer

A healthy meal
Unsplash | Brooke Lark

Take the following steps to reduce your risk for liver cancer:

Keep a healthy diet.

Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Don't smoke.

Avoid alcohol.

Get tested for hepatitis C.