Update: Transient found dead in The Triangle

Got a tip about this and just confirmed with police here at West Seattle Summer Fest, so we’re mentioning it here in case you saw the police activity: A well-known local transient was found dead by Eastridge Christian Assembly in The Triangle (southeast corner of 39th/Oregon) around 6 o’clock last night. Police say he was in his late 40s, well-known to them – but not much of a trouble-maker. He appeared to have fallen, which they say he had done many times over the years. Foul play is NOT suspected, though the cause of death and ID aren’t public, pending the Medical Examiner’s next media update (we’ll check on that this afternoon).

berge July 9, 2010 (1:22 pm)

That’s sad. :(

jissy July 9, 2010 (2:05 pm)

WSB — any idea if this is the gentleman with the walker? I see him frequently in that area and also Morgan… used to see the folks at OK Corral offering him a big plate of food.

He always concerned me b/c of the walker – I thought not only how crappy to be homeless, but extra crappy to be homeless with a walker…..

I’m with ya, berge….. that is sad.

WSB July 9, 2010 (2:40 pm)

J – may be. I didn’t include this detail but the SPD folks with whom we spoke mentioned a beard and some kind of walking assistance like a crutch, because he’d fallen down so many times over the years that he had trouble getting around.

Kate K July 9, 2010 (2:53 pm)

May he rest in peace.

Tim McConnell July 9, 2010 (4:05 pm)

Was it the African-American gentleman that has a speech impediment? Just saw him a few days ago, my wife always gives him a few dollars and he tries so hard to say thanks. Very sad.

islewrite July 9, 2010 (11:06 pm)

If it was the fellow with the walker, I just saw him for the first time yesterday afternoon, while waiting for the light at Cal/Alaska. Around 4:30 pm. This fellow was in truly sad shape; was picking something from the gutter in front of Super Supplements. Bless his heart.

sharonn July 9, 2010 (11:53 pm)

So very sad to hear about his fate. Bless him and his family.

michele July 10, 2010 (12:33 am)

Once anyone confirms the individual that has passed, i would be curious to know if it was “Roy” the person who was referenced (Black male with walker and speech impediment).

It makes me very sad just how quickly a person who depends on and deserves “the system” and it’s support can perish when that so called system deserts them.

WSB July 10, 2010 (2:19 am)

Police had mentioned the name “Lee Wheeler” but I wasn’t going to use it till I heard it confirmed by the ME – which they have. 47 years old, official cause of death pending toxicology. Don’t know if that helps any of you who are wondering if it’s a certain person you’re thinking of – the ME’s info only mentions age, name, city of death, cause of death when available, not any other descriptive factors – TR

Kayleigh July 10, 2010 (6:18 am)

Cathy July 10, 2010 (6:50 am)

Yes, his name is Lee Wheeler. He was my best friends younger brother. Lee grew up and spent most of his life here in West Seattle. Unfortunately Lee had major substance abuse issues and it was impossible for his family to get him off the streets. He will be missed.

hollyplace July 10, 2010 (5:35 pm)

The guys with the walker was on the corner by Zeeks today.

Terri July 10, 2010 (6:44 pm)

Yes, his name was Lee Wheeler and he was my uncle. He did have a walker and hung out at the bus stop in the Junction. He also swept the parking lot for the people at Howden Kennedy Funeral Home.

MKE July 11, 2010 (12:14 am)

I work at Howden Kennedy F.H. Lee was a good guy , he used to pick up the parking lot for us almost everyday in the morning. Sad to hear of his passing… RIP

Pam July 11, 2010 (9:22 pm)

Memorial service for Lee will be on July 24 at 11am at Howden-Kennedy F.H. At the family’s request, there will be no viewing.

Val July 14, 2010 (6:09 am)

Lee’s family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers at this time. We will miss Lee very much and hope he has now found the peace that eluded him in life.

We all loved him very much.

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