Health
In 2003, weighing about 375 pounds, he opted for gastric bypass surgery and, within 10 months, he lost 90 pounds. By this time he had already replaced both knees and both hips. Type 2 diabetes and hearing loss were other ailments, and his cancerous prostate was removed in January 2007.
He was diagnosed with leukemia in April 2007 and, as with almost all his medical maladies, used the occasion to try to educate the public on April 13 with the news. His health, he said, was the public's business. He described himself as “shocked” at the diagnosis. At a press conference, Lee said he would be going to Stanford University to have his situation assessed for treatment options, which were expected to include chemotherapy. Lee indicated he would also like to explore unusual treatments. Lee also announced his plans to run for re-election in the fall of 2007.
On June 2, Lee's leukemia was declared to be in remission, but two months later, on August 16, it was announced that the cancer had returned, but that he would also continue his campaign for re-election.
On September 30, WWL-TV reported that Lee was hospitalized in serious condition due to complications from leukemia. Lee was reportedly having breathing problems and was taken to the Ochsner Medical Center. He died at 10:44 a.m. on October 1, 2007, and was interred four days later at Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans.
Shortly after Lee's death, the primary election for sheriff was moved from October 20 to November 17, and Newell Normand, a Republican, was appointed as the interim sheriff. Normand, who had been the chief deputy since 1995, was elected as the sheriff with over 90% of the vote.
In 2001, Lee was inducted into the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in Winnfield.
Read more about this topic: Harry Lee (sheriff)
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