January 23, 2022 - SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday issued the following statement regarding the death of Elk Grove Police Department Officer Tyler “Ty” Lenehan:
“Jennifer and I join all the family, friends and Elk Grove Police Department colleagues mourning the tragic loss of Officer Lenehan, who devoted his life to protecting his country and community. We are grateful for the many brave men and women like Officer Lenehan who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.”
Officer Lenehan passed away on Friday, January 21, 2022 after suffering major injuries in a crash on Highway 99 in Sacramento involving a wrong-way driver. Officer Lenehan was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Officer Lenehan, 44, served five years in the U.S. Air Force prior to beginning his career in law enforcement in 2012 as a Reserve Officer for the Citrus Heights Police Department. Officer Lenehan then worked for two years at the Galt Police Department before joining the Elk Grove Police Department in 2016. He became a motorcycle officer in 2020.
He is survived by his wife Jessica, an officer with the Sacramento Police Department, and their children Austin and Sydney.
In honor of Officer Lenehan, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
Source: Office of the Governor
Per Elk Grove Police Department:
A memorial fund has been established for Officer Ty Lenehan’s family through the CAHP Credit Union. As this is the only official memorial fund, any other fundraising links should be considered fraudulent. All donations will go directly to the family of Officer Lenehan. #281 https://cahpcu.org/OfficerTyLenehanMemorialFund
Elk Grove Police Mourns the Loss of Veteran Motor Officer
ELK GROVE, CA – At 5:13 a.m. on January 21, 2022, the California Highway Patrol Sacramento dispatch center advised of a wrong-way driver traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of SR-99 near 47th Avenue. While responding, a 9-1-1 caller advised CHP Dispatch the wrong-way vehicle was involved in a crash with a police motorcycle officer near 12th Avenue. CHP Officers and members of the Sacramento Fire Department arrived on scene and performed life-saving measures before transporting Officer Ty Lenehan, from the Elk Grove Police Department, to the UC Davis Medical Center. Despite efforts from UC Davis medical staff, Officer Ty Lenehan succumbed to the injuries sustained as a result of the collision.
Officer Ty Lenehan took pride in serving his community, and his work ethic was recognized by all who worked alongside him. Prior to joining law enforcement, Officer Ty Lenehan was a member of the United States Air Force for five years. In 2012, he began his Law Enforcement Career as a Reserve Officer for the Citrus Heights Police Department. Officer Ty Lenehan then worked for two years with the Galt Police Department before he joined the Elk Grove Police Department in 2016. Officer Ty Lenehan worked as an Elk Grove Police officer for the last six years, and in 2020 he became a motor officer, which he was extremely excited to begin.
“This is an incredibly sad day for the Elk Grove Police Department and the Elk Grove community,” said Elk Grove Chief of Police, Timothy Albright. “We grieve for Ty’s family, our law enforcement family, and the Elk Grove community.”
Officer Lenehan’s service will never be forgotten. His positive attitude, infectious smile, and bright personality will forever be missed.
The California Highway Patrol South Sacramento Division is leading the investigation of this incident and released an update regarding the collision on social media earlier this afternoon. Review update.
Details regarding funeral services for Officer Lenehan are not available at this time.
Photo credit: Elk Grove Police Department
