Sean Michael Lee, 50, Dies After Battle With Esophageal Cancer Following More Than 20 Years of Army Service

Sean Michael Lee, a former U.S. Army paratrooper whose military and humanitarian work took him into some of the world’s most dangerous environments, has died at the age of 50.

According to his obituary, Lee died on September 13, 2026, following a battle with esophageal cancer. His death was also reported by Stars and Stripes and Fox News, which described him as a veteran who continued serving others long after leaving the military.

Lee spent more than 20 years in the United States Army and served multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and also served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy. His obituary described his identity as deeply connected to his life as a paratrooper.

His service continued after his military career. During the 2021 fall of Afghanistan, Lee worked with Save Our Allies to help coordinate evacuations for thousands of Afghan allies and others attempting to escape the country. His humanitarian efforts later extended to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

In 2022, Lee played a role in helping evacuate Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall after Hall was seriously wounded when his vehicle came under attack near Kyiv. Two other members of Hall’s reporting team were killed in the attack. Hall later remembered Lee and credited him with helping bring him home to his family.

Lee also responded to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina in 2024. He traveled to affected communities and helped deliver supplies and assistance to people dealing with the aftermath of the storm.

His cancer was reported as esophageal cancer linked to exposure to burn pits during his military deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fox News reported the connection based on information from his obituary and those close to him.

In the final part of his career, Lee continued working with organizations supporting veterans and served as a political appointee at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under Secretary Doug Collins. His obituary said his focus remained on helping others rather than on titles or recognition.

Lee was born on March 26, 1976. He is survived by his brother James Lee, James’s wife Adriana, their son Jamie, and a wider family and circle of friends formed through his military service and humanitarian work.

A funeral service with full military honors was held at Weddington Methodist Church in Weddington, North Carolina, with plans for Lee to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery alongside fallen service members.

Lee’s life was marked by more than two decades of military service and years of humanitarian work. Tributes following his death have focused on his continued willingness to respond when people needed help, from military operations overseas to disaster relief and veteran support.