San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi died Friday night at the age of 59.
San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi died Friday night at the age of 59.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed issued the following statement announcing the death of Adachi:
“As one of the few elected public defenders in our country, Jeff always stood up for those who didn’t have a voice, have been ignored and overlooked, and who needed a real champion. He was committed not only to the fight for justice in the courtroom, but he was also a relentless advocate for criminal justice reform. Jeff lead the way on progressive policy reforms, including reducing recidivism, ending cash bail, and standing up for undocumented and unrepresented children.”
Breed added:
“San Francisco has lost a dedicated public servant, and our communities have lost a champion.”
Adachi was re-elected for his fifth term in office last November running unopposed and ran for San Francisco mayor in 2011.
Many city officials shared their condolences after finding out about his sudden death.
I am saddened to announce that San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi passed away tonight. San Francisco has lost a dedicated public servant, and our communities have lost a champion.
— London Breed (@LondonBreed) February 23, 2019
Words cannot express how saddened and shocked I am to learn of the passing of our Public Defender @JeffAdachi. Sending my deepest condolences to his family. We lost a true champion tonight. https://t.co/UkHNlLvvYN
— Norman Yee (@NormanYeeSF) February 23, 2019
Deeply saddened tonight to learn of the passing of Jeff Adachi. Our condolences to his family, his friends and colleagues in the @sfdefender office.
— SFPD Chief Scott (@SFPDChief) February 23, 2019
So incredibly sad over the passing of @JeffAdachi. He was an amazing public servant and fierce advocate for those who had no representation and no voice. Condolences to his wife and daughter. In my mind, he will always be the model @sfdefender. https://t.co/sxGygblQcc
— Phil Ting (@PhilTing) February 23, 2019
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.
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