Pols, public react to passing of Ed Lee

San Francisco residents awoke Tuesday morning to the jolting news that Mayor Ed Lee died at 1:11 a.m. at San Francisco Zuckerberg General Hospital. Lee was 65.

Lee’s office sent out a press release around 2:23 a.m. announcing Lee had died in a 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. In accordance with the City Charter, Board of Supervisors President London Breed became Acting Mayor of San Francisco, effectively immediately.”

Many Bay Area officials issued condolences on Twitter and Facebook, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Heartbroken to hear of the passing of @mayoredlee. He was a true champion for the people & a dear friend to the many lucky enough to know him. My deepest love & prayers are with his wife Anita & daughters Brianna & Tania. Read my full statement here: https://t.co/gGHaQfaXEZ pic.twitter.com/uFBPPS9OK5

— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) December 12, 2017

The passing of Mayor Ed Lee is a very sad day for San Francisco and all of us who knew him. My heart and thoughts are with Ed’s family and friends and the city I love.

— Senator Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) December 12, 2017

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf put out this tweet Tuesday morning:

Oakland sends its condolences to Anita, her daughters, and all San Franciscans today. Mayor Ed Lee served his community with passion and humility, broke historic barriers, led with a compassionate heart, and was a valued friend and colleague. He will be missed dearly.

— Libby Schaaf (@LibbySchaaf) December 12, 2017

San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said in a statement:

“Mayor Ed Lee cared deeply about our City, the safety of its people and the well-being of the men and women of the San Francisco Police Department. Our City has lost a great leader and we are shocked and saddened by his passing. During this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Anita, his daughters and his family.”

Former San Francisco Supervisor John Avalos wrote on his Facebook profile that he was shock upon hearing the news of Lee’s death:

“Shocking news about Mayor Ed Lee this morning. My heart goes out to his family. I didn’t always agree with his politics but he worked endlessly and with great attention to detail to run San Francisco. He should have had many years of happy retirement with his loved ones. Instead, the city called, and he sorted it through tremendous forces of cataclysmic change. I have only an inkling of the selfless sacrifice he made and of the pressures he endured. My deepest condolences to his wife Anita, his daughters and all who will deeply feel this great loss. Rest In peace Ed Lee.”

Here are just a few reactions from Twitter users on Tuesday morning:

Mayor Ed Lee was a great leader with a great vision. Led a diverse community and was a gem to the City of San Francisco. #RIPEdLee

— Kram SedRoc (@CoachCordes8) December 12, 2017

RIP Mayor Ed Lee 🌉

— Nancy Mancias (@nancymancias) December 12, 2017

RIP Ed Lee, first Asian American mayor of SF. Thank you for all you've done.

— Mark Kawada (@Mark_Kawada) December 12, 2017

With deep sadness & shock we mourn the loss of our city’s great Mayor, Ed Lee, a true champion of immigrant & underserved communities in SF pic.twitter.com/XGsNJeOLg9

— OCEIA | San Francisco (@OCEIA_SF) December 12, 2017

Thanks for representing SF and the Chinese American community with class. RIP Mayor Ed Lee.

— Stephen Lowe (@reevenrowe) December 12, 2017

My heart goes out to Mayor Ed Lee's family, Anita, Tania and Brianna. I will remember him as a staunch civil rights advocate and a man who loved his city. Ed, we are going to miss you greatly. #EdLee pic.twitter.com/KFcZTiMXAC

— Jim Beall (@Jimbealljr) December 12, 2017

Saddened by the death of Mayor Ed Lee. He was a true public servant who championed civil rights. In Seattle, we were fortunate to count him as our own as well & his loss is a loss for us. From his hometown, our city sends our condolences to Ed’s friends, family & colleagues.

— Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) December 12, 2017

Jerold Chinn

Jerold serves as a reporter and San Francisco Bureau Chief for SFBay covering transportation and occasionally City Hall and the Mayor's Office in San Francisco. His work on transportation has been recognized by the San Francisco Press Club. Born and raised in San Francisco, he graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in journalism. Jerold previously wrote for the San Francisco Public Press, a nonprofit, noncommercial news organization. When not reporting, you can find Jerold taking Muni to check out new places to eat in the city.