Troy, MO – Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputy Steven “Steve” Tucker died on July 8 after an impaired driver crossed over into his lane and crashed into his motorcycle head-on.

The collision occurred on Highway J shortly before 7:30 p.m., WITI reported.

Deputy Tucker, 60, was riding his motorcycle northbound when an oncoming 2008 Ford Focus crossed over the centerline and slammed into him head-on, according to investigators.

The 35-year-old driver of the Ford was transported to the hospital in unknown condition, WITI reported.

Deputy Tucker was pronounced dead at the scene.

The LCSO said the unnamed driver was intoxicated at the time of the deadly wreck.

“Last night a drunk driver took the life of one of our Sheriff’s Deputies when he crossed the center line and struck a motorcycle driven by Deputy Steve Tucker 426,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post. “Today, we want to take a moment to emphasize the critical importance of never getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. We cannot stress enough the potentially devastating consequences that can arise from drinking and driving. It’s not just about our own lives but also the lives of others on the road.”

Deputy Tucker served in the U.S. Army for nearly 40 years prior to joining the LCSO earlier this year, KSDK reported.

He also previously served as a Wright City police officer and as the chief of police in Berger, Missouri.

Deputy Tucker was most recently assigned to the LCSO’s Court Services Bureau, where he “served with the utmost dedication and commitment,” according to his department.

“Deputy Steven Tucker embodied the spirit of service, honor, and selflessness, exemplifying the qualities expected of a law enforcement professional,” the sheriff’s office said. “His unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the community will forever be remembered by his colleagues and the citizens he served. Deputy Tucker’s loss is a significant blow to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and he will be deeply missed by his fellow deputies, friends, and family.”

Deputy Tucker leaves behind his wife, Donna, as well as his son, Steven, and his stepchildren, Emily, Heather, Ashley, and Marc, according to his obituary.

He is also survived by his three sisters and many friends, colleagues, and extended family members.

A fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $13,000 so far.

The St. Charles County Police Department sends our heartfelt condolences to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for the tragic loss of Deputy Steven Tucker, who unexpectedly lost his life on July 8th, 2023 while off duty. pic.twitter.com/3jRXc4nZsy

— SCCMOPD (@SCCMOPD) July 12, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Steven “Steve” Tucker, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.