ALAMEDA (Calif.) Wilma Chan, Alameda County Supervisor, was killed Wednesday while walking her dog. She was 72 years old.
Chan was crossing Alameda Street with Maggie when she was struck by the car. She was then taken to Highland Hospital in Oakland where doctors declared her dead.
Chan, a Democrat was elected first to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors on 1994. Later, she served as the state Assembly Majority Leader from 2000 to 2006.
She ran successfully for her first seat on Board of Supervisors in 2010, and has continued to serve since.
“During her 30-year career, Supervisor Chan had always been a strong advocate for children and families, affordable housing, health care for the sick, and for children, parents, and the elderly,” Dave Brown, chief of staff to the supervisor, stated in a statement.
Chan is survived two children and two grandchildren. Brown stated that Chan’s family thanks the medical staff and first responders who provided amazing care.
Alameda police stated in a statement, that the crash was under investigation. The driver of the car is cooperating with investigators.
Denyse Trepanier (board president of advocacy group BikeWalk Alameda) released a statement stating that Chan was struck near an intersection where many vehicles have caused serious injuries. Officials had mentioned the roadway in Alameda’s Vision Zero Action Plan. This plan aims to eliminate serious crashes in the area by 2035.
Trepanier stated, “But at the moment, it’s still only a plan.” “It’s past time to act and implement safety improvements that we know will decrease the severity and likelihood of crashes such as this.
