SF GATE is reporting that early this morning, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee died in Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital of unspecified causes.
Mayor Lee, a leader of the large AAPI community in the bay area, was a well-respected moderate Democrat sometimes criticized for his alliances with the business community, but retained a large support base in the community with a reputation for community service as a civil rights attorney and fair housing advocate in a city notable for leadership in the former and chronic problems with the latter.
His office released this statement:
“It is with profound sadness and terrible grief that we confirm that Mayor Edwin M. Lee passed away on Tuesday, December 12 at 1:11 a.m. at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Family, friends and colleagues were at his side. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Anita, his two daughters, Brianna and Tania, and his family.”
As an AAPI and itinerant Bay Area resident, I regret Mr. Lee’s early passing and send my condolences to his family and friends everywhere.
Rest in Peace, Your Honor.
Tuesday, Dec 12, 2017 · 12:44:03 PM +00:00 · koNko
Lee is succeeded as Mayor by President of the Board of Supervisors, Ms London Breed, Representative of the Fifth District, a San Francisco native and the First African-American Woman to lead the city, following the first Asian American to do so.