On Monday, May 17, 1999, Sergeant David May died while operating a Missouri Highway Patrol helicopter.

Sergeant David May was following the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics with a photographer. Witnesses stated that the tail rotor on the helicopter stopped turning which then entered a spin and crashed. The Special Olympics photographer was also killed.

Sergeant May had served with the Missouri Highway for 18 years and served as a pilot since 1990. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.