In Memoriam—Henry C. Lee, PhD

The AAFS is saddened to announce the passing of world-renowned forensic scientist and AAFS Fellow Henry C. Lee, PhD, at the age of 87, marking the loss of one of the most influential figures in modern forensic science.

Dr. Lee joined the University of New Haven in 1975 and founded its forensic science program, building it from a small classroom with a single fingerprint kit into one of the nation's leading forensic science departments. In 1998, he founded the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science, which later moved into a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to forensic research, training, and education.

Over his distinguished career, Dr. Lee served as a forensic expert in all 50 U.S. states and more than 46 countries, lectured in over 70 countries, consulted for more than 600 law enforcement agencies, and testified in more than 1,000 criminal and civil cases. He assisted in numerous high-profile investigations, including the O.J. Simpson case, the JonBenét Ramsey case, the Laci Peterson case, the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping, the 9/11 forensic investigation, and the reinvestigation of the John F. Kennedy assassination.

Dr. Lee also served as chief criminalist for the State of Connecticut and director of the Connecticut State Police Forensic Science Laboratory from 1978 to 2000 and as Commissioner of Public Safety from 1998 to 2000.

Dr. Lee always encouraged graduates to pursue knowledge, remain persistent, and believe in overcoming obstacles — a message that reflected his personal motto: "Make the impossible possible."

Dr. Lee's legacy lives on through the generations of students, scientists, and law enforcement professionals he mentored and inspired throughout his extraordinary career.
 

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