Residents react to San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee's death

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ByMatt Keller KGO logo
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Residents react to San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee's death
Many San Francisco residents were shocked after learning Mayor Ed Lee died, with some saying they were hoping it was fake news.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The news of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee's death was shocking to many residents throughout the city.

"Oh my God, I was hoping it was fake news," San Francisco resident Tecla Duran said.

RELATED: San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee passes away at the age of 65

"I can't believe it because he was so young and healthy and you know, he was such a nice person. It's really sad," San Francisco resident Silvia Valencia said.

"It's a sad occasion. He's a young man," San Francisco resident Richard Stranzl said.

RELATED: Officials remember San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee

Lee became San Francisco's first Asian American mayor when he was appointed to the position in 2011.

"He's a trailblazer by all means," David Sohn said. "I think the city is going to suffer a big loss because of this. In terms of representation of Asian Americans in leadership positions and hopefully someone will take his place."

RELATED: What we know about San Francisco Acting Mayor London Breed

The latest census shows 35 percent of the population of San Francisco is Asian. "My mom is actually from China from the same province that he was from. I think that he was an amazing role model and you know was an advocate for this area and this community and for the Asian-American Community at large," San Francisco resident Lauren Holden said.

PHOTOS: From advocacy work to light-hearted fun, here's a look at San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee's career

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President Barack Obama walks with San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee after arriving at San Francisco International airport in San Francisco, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011.
Eric Risberg/AP Photo

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