A Lee’s Discount Liquor billboard is seen near the corner of Tropicana Avenue and Decatur Boulevard on Friday, June 14, 2013.
Published Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 | 12:21 p.m.
Updated Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 | 9:14 p.m.
Kenny Lee
Kenny Lee, the CEO of Lee’s Discount Liquor, was killed in a car crash Friday, the company said in a statement this morning.
The crash happened just before 10:30 a.m. on U.S. 93 between Ely and West Wendover at mile marker 24, Nevada Highway Patrol public information officer Ashlee Wellman said. West Wendover is an eastern Nevada town near the Utah border and where the company has one of its 23 retail stores.
Impairment is not believed to be a factor at this time, Wellman said.
Lee was driving south in a white van transporting alcohol when the van crossed the center line, causing a partial head-on collision with a white truck heading north, Wellman said.
The truck tried to swerve out of the way, but Lee — who was not wearing a seat belt — was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Wellman said. He was 53, the company said.
The other driver, who was not yet identified, sustained minor injuries.
Troopers with NHP Southern Command are conducting the investigation, Wellman said. More information will likely be available early next week, she said.
In a Twitter post, Gov. Steve Sisolak wrote, "Our hearts ache again for the Lee family — Kathy and I are keeping the Lee family, friends and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
The death comes about three months after his father Hae Un Lee, the company founder and noted Las Vegas philanthropist, died of cancer.
“We just buried his father, and I had the privilege of delivering one of the eulogies,” said Larry Ruvo, senior managing director of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Nevada. “I watched Kenny throughout the services, and he immediately evolved from the son to the new head of the family.
"He’s evolved. He stepped up. He’s been a leader." Ruvo continued. "He’s been creative, and this unfortunate, terrible accident. Our hearts go out to his family, his mom. For Mrs. Lee to have to bury her husband, and now her son, is unthinkable.”
The company has contributed millions of dollars to the Las Vegas community over the years through Lee’s Helping Hand, a nonprofit launched by Hae Un and Kenny 20 years ago. One of the four areas the foundation supports is education, where it provides monies for early childhood reading, international college students, and to support teachers.
He was an avid golfer and passionate about the Vegas Golden Knights, rarely missing a home game for his beloved team.
“The Vegas Golden Knights lost a friend and supporter from our beginnings with the tragic passing of Kenny Lee," the franchise said in a statement to the Sun. "Kenny was not just a team partner but also a generous philanthropic supporter of the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation. Through the years he and his wife, Nami, and their children were regulars at Golden Knights games and other events, including our golf tournament and charity gala. Our thoughts are with his many other friends and family.”
Kenny Lee is survived by his wife Nami and three children, the company said.
"Please keep the entire Lee Family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the company said in a statement.
