Deputy who ‘embodied the spirit of service’ killed by drunk driver, Missouri cops say

An off-duty deputy with nearly 40 years of service was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver, Missouri police say.

Missouri State Highway Patrol officers said a 35-year-old man crossed the center line while driving in Lincoln County on Saturday, July 8. His Ford Focus struck a Harley-Davidson being operated by 60-year-old Steven Tucker.

Tucker, who was identified as a deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sheriff’s office said the driver of the Focus was drunk. He received serious injuries, highway patrol officers said.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the driver was cited with driving while intoxicated.

Tucker served in the United States Army and was a member of police departments in Wright City and Berger before joining the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office this year.

“Deputy Steven Tucker embodied the spirit of service, honor, and selflessness, exemplifying the qualities expected of a law enforcement professional,” sheriff’s officials said. “His unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the community will forever be remembered by his colleagues and the citizens he served.”

Tucker was likely on his way home when the crash happened, a deputy told KSDK.

“Family was very important to him,” Deputy Steven Robertson, who is Tucker’s son-in-law, told the station. “His kids, his grandkids and his wife, Donna, were all very important to him.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.

This story was originally published July 10, 2023 at 3:19 PM with the headline "Deputy who ‘embodied the spirit of service’ killed by drunk driver, Missouri cops say."