San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi died unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 22 after suffering from an apparent heart attack. Details are still developing, but according to reports, Adachi was in North Beach having dinner with a friend when he began feeling stomach pains, eventually heading to a nearby apartment. EMTs were called and Adachi was still alive when they arrived, however he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Police do not suspect foul play, however officials are investigating the details surrounding his death.
The Sacramento native spent more than 16 years serving as San Francisco’s public defender, being re-elected to his latest term just last year. Over the course of his career, Adachi was praised for his dedication to promoting an equal and fair justice system.
“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,” Mayor London Breed said in a public statement.
Adachi was featured in the 2002 documentary, “Presumed Guilt,” which looked at the challenges that public defenders of San Francisco have to face. The film captured Adachi’s tenacity and fearlessness as he served the city.
Oakland Mayor Libby Shaaf tweeted: “Jeff Adachi fought for truth and justice – values that speak to all of us. Although based in SF, Jeff’s moral leadership helped frame a Bay Area ethos.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom paid respects to his former colleague following the news of Adachi’s passing. The former Mayor of San Francisco said in a public statement: “San Francisco lost a dedicated public servant last night in Jeff Adachi. He was a passionate fighter for fairness and led the charge on progressive criminal justice policy.”
Adachi is survived by his wife Matsuko and their daughter Lauren.