Police officer dies after being hit by car while responding to crash

ST. LOUIS, Mo. ( KMOV /Gray News) - A police officer in St. Louis died after being hit by a car while helping with an earlier crash call.

The crash happened around 8:50 a.m., on Sunday, KMOV reported.

Police received calls for an officer needing aid and closed the road.

Shortly after, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department released that an officer, later identified as David Lee, an 18-year police veteran had been hit by a car.

Lee was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries.

Police said Lee was starting to stage at a previous accident on the interstate and was hit by an oncoming car.

The driver who hit the Lee stayed at the scene of the crash and has been detained, KMOV reported.

St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones released a statement saying:

"Today, I ask the entire St. Louis community to join us in mourning the passing of Officer David Lee. Through his work and his passing, he has left an indelible mark on the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and our City as a whole. I want to thank the SLMPD officers at the scene and the team at SLU hospital for their determination and care in trying to save Officer Lee's life. Matthew 5:4 tells us 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.' Our proud City must now come together to comfort Officer Lee's family, friends, colleagues, and our entire community."