United States of America
Headstone of Shannon Lee Distel
U.S. Marine Corps · United States United States

Shannon Lee Distel

Died August 27, 2003

Shannon Lee Distel served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

How He Died
Manner Accident
Cause Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened

Officer Shannon Distel was killed in a motorcycle crash while on patrol on Van Buren Boulevard, near Dauchy Avenue, in Riverside County.

A pickup truck pulling a trailer turned left in front of him, causing a collision. Officer Distel's motorcycle became wedged in between the truck and trailer, and he was thrown 50 yards. He was transported to Riverside County Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

The 31-year-old driver of the pickup truck was arrested and charged with gross negligence and driving under the influence of drugs. The driver was sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence; the charges were reduced after the driver's drug tests returned negative.

Officer Distel was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the California Highway Patrol for six years.

Survivors
He is survived by his wife, four children, parents, brother, and sister.
Media
Shannon Lee Distel
Shannon Lee Distel 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
California Highway Patrol
Officer
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 46W · Line 23 cut as SHANNON LEE DISTEL
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtp98ckzcn868zh0jhbh6
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Officer Distel gave the California Highway Patrol 6 years.

Thank you for your service to the people of California. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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