Sean Michael Lee, an Army paratrooper whose post-service career included efforts to rescue thousands from conflict zones and disaster areas, died Sunday at age 50 after a battle with esophageal cancer. His illness was attributed to exposure to toxic burn pits during his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Lee was a 20-year veteran of the Army, serving multiple tours with the 82nd Airborne Division. His obituary described him as a paratrooper whose life was guided by duty, loyalty, competence under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to others.
After leaving active duty, Lee continued his service through various organizations. In 2021, he was involved with Save Our Allies, helping to evacuate thousands of people from Afghanistan as the country's government collapsed. The following year, he traveled to Poland to deliver supplies to the front lines in Ukraine amidst Russia's invasion. During this time, he played a key role in the extraction of Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall, who had been severely injured when his vehicle was attacked by Russian forces near Kyiv. Two members of Hall's crew were killed in that incident.
Lee also dedicated time to aiding wounded veterans through The Independence Fund. In 2024, he assisted in delivering life-saving supplies to communities in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene, living in a tent to provide aid where support systems had failed.
Most recently, Lee was working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. His military service included participation in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and deployments with Bravo Company, 2-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in Afghanistan. His obituary noted that two of his closest friends, who deployed with him to Afghanistan, had passed away before him.
Friends and colleagues remembered Lee for his dedication to service. Former MMA fighter and Special Forces sniper Tim Kennedy wrote on Instagram that Lee had "redefined the word service" and "dedicated his entire life to other people," consistently putting his life on the line to help others.
Lee's life was characterized by his actions to ensure others made it home safely, carry wounded service members to safety, and provide opportunities for those affected by conflict and disaster. His obituary stated that his life's measure was in the people he helped and the communities he served.