April 26 marked the tragic and largely unreported passing of Ben Lee, a young investment banking analyst at Intrepid’s Los Angeles office. His death by suicide has left colleagues, friends, and industry observers grappling with grief and urgent questions about the mental health toll of Wall Street’s demanding work culture.
Benjamin Lee joined Intrepid in 2025, after previously working as an analyst at Cascadia Capital. In both roles, he was known for his intelligence, dedication, and quiet drive—traits that made him a rising professional in a high-pressure field.
Now, his name surfaces not in financial reports or deal announcements, but in hushed conversations, broken website links, and a growing concern over the cost of ambition in a system that too often overlooks the human being behind the analyst title.
No official statement has been issued by Intrepid about Ben’s death. His profile has quietly disappeared from the firm’s website, with only a broken link remaining. The silence speaks volumes.
While the specific circumstances surrounding Ben’s death remain private, the broader context is impossible to ignore. Intrepid’s Los Angeles office has reportedly been described by insiders as having some of the toughest working conditions on Wall Street. And yet, it is not alone. Across the industry, junior bankers continue to face 80- to 100-hour work weeks, sleep deprivation, and mounting psychological stress—conditions that can push even the most resilient professionals to the brink.
Ben’s death follows a disturbing trend. Over the past year, three other banker deaths have raised alarms within the industry. While some firms have responded with initiatives aimed at reducing burnout—like protected weekends and mental health stipends—many argue that these measures barely scratch the surface of a deep-rooted problem.
There is a growing call for accountability, not just from individual firms but from the financial sector as a whole. Mental health cannot remain an afterthought in an industry that relies so heavily on the labor and loyalty of its youngest employees.
Ben’s passing deserves more than silence. It deserves reflection, dialogue, and, most importantly, action.
We share this not to speculate, but to honor Ben Lee’s memory. He was more than an analyst. He was a son, a friend, and a bright light gone far too soon.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available. The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 at 988.