‘A bright light’: Tyler Lenehan’s family remembers Elk Grove officer killed in crash

Vincent Moleski
·2 min read

The family of an Elk Grove police officer who was killed by a wrong-way driver Friday on Highway 99 released a statement remembering his life and legacy.

Elk Grove Police Department officials issued the statement on behalf of Tyler Lenehan’s family, which was “deeply heartbroken and devastated by the tragic loss of our husband, father, son and brother.”

The six-year department veteran was riding his department-issued motorcycle southbound on Highway 99 near 47th Avenue, headed to work, when a driver going the wrong way in a 2016 Dodge Challenger struck him, knocking him off the bike. Jermaine Jeryan Walton, 31, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and remains in custody without bail.

“Ty is survived by his wife, Jessica, two children Austin and Sydney, his parents and three siblings,” family members said in their statement. “Ty was a bright light of personality in our family. His life outside of being a committed officer to the Elk Grove community was dedicated to serving his family and his church community. Ty performed innumerable acts of charity and kindness and blessed many lives with his personality, love and humility.”

Lenehan became an Elk Grove motor officer last year, and is the first officer in the city’s history to die in the line of duty. City officials and community members held a vigil for the Air Force veteran Friday night, honoring his life and his previous service with police departments in Citrus Heights and Galt.

“While we are deeply saddened as we mourn the loss of such a great person, we have been lifted by the support from the Elk Grove Police Department, the Sacramento Police Department, the Governor, and our Sacramento community,” Lenehan’s family said. “We appreciate the many condolences, the outpouring of love, and the support from the community at large. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the first responders and hospital staff who immediately attended to Ty’s injuries.”

Plans for Lenehan’s funeral have not yet been announced, but Elk Grove Police Department officials said that a memorial fund has been established for his family through the California Association of Highway Patrolmen Credit Union.

Donations can be made online at cahpcu.org or can be mailed to the Officer Ty Lenehan Memorial Fund at P.O. box 276507, Sacramento, CA 95827.