Petition Seeks To Honor Freedom High School Coach, Employee Killed In Crash

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A Freedom High School security officer and coach is being remembered after he died in a crash in the Interstate 95 Express Lanes in Prince William County.

Vernon S. Lee, II, 57, of Chester, was identified as the victim in the Feb. 4 crash. State police say his vehicle was stopped on the right shoulder of the I-95 Express Lanes and was struck by a work truck that went off the interstate's right side. Lee was two days away from his birthday, according to his obituary.

Lee was a Petersburg native who relocated to Northern Virginia and was employed as a school security officer at Woodbridge's Freedom High School. Growing up with a passion for basketball, Lee played for Virginia State University men's basketball team and later coached for the university and teams in Petersburg. At Freedom High School, Lee coached girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, freshman football, boys’ tennis and girls’ tennis at different points.

A Change.org petition is circulating to name Freedom High School's football field in honor of Lee and has more than 3,100 signatures. The petition noted Lee has been a security guard at the school for more than 10 years and made a lasting impression.

"Mr. Lee was more than just hallway patrol; he was the heart of Freedom High School," the petition stated. "He knew every student's name, their stories, and their dreams. His presence brightened every hallway and every classroom in ways that impacted everyone."

Lee's obituary said "he loved interacting with students, and they loved interacting with him" at Freedom High School.

"More than a coach, Vernon was a pillar of the Freedom High School community," Lee's obituary stated. "His impact spanned generations, as he remained at Freedom from 2004 to the present, even mentoring the children of former students."

Freedom High School informed the school community of Lee's death the day after the crash. The school said students had access to additional counselors.

"Mr. Lee was a beloved staff member at our school and will be missed by all," Freedom High School said. "We are working with his family to provide any needed support."

Lee is survived by his wife, Chantelle, children, Shannon Lee and Vershon Lee and other relatives. According to Change.org, Lee's son Vershon Lee played as an all-state lineman for Freedom High School, went on to play for the University of South Carolina, and is now a prospect for the NFL draft. According to Inside Nova, Vernon Lee left his coaching position at Freedom High School to watch his son compete at the college level.

Funeral services for Lee are scheduled for Thursday in his hometown of Petersburg. Services will be streamed live online www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.