The family of Dr Steven Lee, a young doctor who lost his life in a collision with a slow-moving tractor and trailer, have described receiving his posthumous medical doctorate as a ‘bittersweet’ occasion.
Dr Lee, 26, was enrolled at Swansea University pursuing his medical degree when he tragically died in August 2022 in Ross-on-Wye after his motorcycle collided with a tractor travelling at 25mph on a 70mph road. The tractor, driven by Philip Baker, was found to have multiple defects, including the absence of an amber beacon that would have warned other road users to reduce their speed.
Baker was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court to eight years in prison and disqualified from driving for nine years after being found guilty of causing Dr Lee’s death by dangerous driving.
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At the award ceremony, Dr Lee’s family accepted his doctorate on his behalf. His sister Rachel described the event as deeply moving and profoundly bittersweet.
Remembering Steven, his family said: “Steven’s life was lived to the absolute fullest and he achieved so much in the time he had. He was able to help, support and contribute to the lives of so many people and did not hesitate to do so.
“We remember him as a loving son, adored little brother, entertaining uncle, wonderful partner and a great friend. He will always be missed.”
In addition to his medical studies, Steven was a pilot officer who joined the Air Training Corps at 13 and later earned the Queen’s Commission. His commanding officer described him as “a credit to his squadron and to himself”.
Steven was also an accomplished pianist and piano teacher, who sought adrenaline through motorbike riding. His career path began with a biology degree, followed by work as a laboratory technician in Chester, where he met his girlfriend Sophie. He completed a master’s in Human Immunology at Liverpool University before enrolling at Swansea University for medicine.
In Steven’s memory, his family has established the Dr Steven Lee Foundation, dedicated to reducing road fatalities by funding advanced motorcycle training for new riders.