Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan has died.
Chan, 72, was hit by a vehicle while walking her dog on Wednesday, her office confirmed in a statement to KCBS Radio. She passed away at Highland Hospital at 2:30 p.m., when medical staff were unable to revive her, according to the statement.
Chan suffered a serious head injury.
"During her 30-year career in public service, Supervisor Chan had been a staunch advocate for children, families, the elderly, affordable housing, and health care for the uninsured," the statement said.
The Alameda Police Department said in a release on Wednesday afternoon that officers responded to a report around 8 a.m. that an adult woman was struck by a car at the intersection of Shoreline Dr. and Grand St. Police didn't share the woman's identity "(out) of respect for the family," the department said.
The woman driving the car remained on the scene and cooperated with investigators, according to police. The crash's cause is "yet to be determined," officials said.
It wasn't immediately clear if the incidents are connected.
Chan had represented District 3, which includes Alameda, San Leandro and parts of Oakland, since 2011. She served in the California State Assembly from 2000-2006, becoming the first woman and the first Asian American to serve as majority leader.
This was Chan's second stint on the Board of Supervisors, previously serving from 1995-2000. She was the first Asian American elected to the board after spending four years on the Oakland Board of Education.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office tweeted on Wednesday afternoon that it was "deeply saddened" by Chan's sudden death, adding that her service "touched the lives of many."
Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern said he was "saddened" by Chan's passing and commended her "lasting legacy of community service."
Oakland City Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas called Chan a "champion for working families, affordable housing" and "quality healthcare" whose legacy will continue.
Chan was survived by two children and two grandchildren.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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