LGBTQ advocate IDd as S.F. hit-run victim

A San Francisco man known for his work in the African American LGBTQ community and mentoring recovering addicts was identified Tuesday as the victim of a tragic hit-and-run in the Panhandle. Norman Tanner, 60, was deeply involved with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and worked extensively with people recovering from addiction. Earlier this year, family spokesperson Tony Bradford said Tanner celebrated 22 years of sobriety. Tanner was diagnosed with HIV in 1990 and given six months to live. Instead, he outran doctors’ prognoses to cofound Black Brothers Esteem at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, a program that promotes sexual health awareness and HIV/AIDS prevention for LGBTQ men who are African American. At around 9:10 p.m. Oct. 3, Tanner was crossing the intersection at Baker and Oak streets to get to his home just a block away when a woman driving a dark-colored Toyota Prius ran a red light and struck him in the marked crosswalk, police said. Authorities said the suspect stopped and got out of her car to check on the man before driving eastbound on Oak Street toward southbound Broderick Street. San Francisco police are still investigating the hit-and-run, and detectives believe that the Prius might have sustained damage to the front end. Tanner suffered severe head trauma and was taken to San Francisco General Hospital, where he died Friday, Bradford said. Friends remembered Tanner, who was born in New Jersey and moved to the city in 1976, as a devoted community servant. “He was a super kind person that was always ready, willing, whenever he was able to help someone who needed help or answers,” said Stefon Williams, a friend who met Tanner 20 years ago when the two lived in San Francisco. “He was selfless, and I will always have fond memories of him,” Williams added. Tanner coordinated outreach for the Black Brothers Esteem program and regularly attended the city’s annual Pride parades with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. He also mentored city jail inmates struggling with addiction and was a member of Glide church. “Everybody knew him,” Bradford said. “He was always front and foremost with HIV rights, especially in the African American community. He’s gonna be missed.” Bradford said the family hopes that the driver is brought to justice so the community can “heal and forgive.” Memorial services are still being planned.