Who was Alberto Rangel? UCSF Social Worker Dies After Patient Attack; GoFundMe Raises $64K

Staff and community members at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital gathered on Sunday night to mourn the death of Alberto Rangel, 51, a UCSF social worker who passed away on Saturday, December 6, two days after being attacked by a patient at the hospital.

According to his Psychology Today profile, Rangel was a therapist with over 15 years of experience. He described himself as a “Gay, Latino, Bilingual, Bicultural therapist” specializing in CBT and ACT. He focused on helping individuals cope with trauma and loss, explaining, “I have a strong mindfulness and community-oriented approach to address issues of depression, anxiety, grief, and interpersonal relationships.”

A first-generation Mexican who grew up in Iowa, Rangel worked in Ward 86, the HIV/AIDS care clinic at San Francisco General Hospital. He was also an artist and dancer. Colleagues remembered him fondly, with former Ward 86 staffer Katherine Alvarez saying, “He [Alberto] was a beautiful and kind soul,” and nurse Jessica Hoopengardner describing him as “the most open-hearted, loving, non-judgemental, kind” person.

Rangel was attacked by 34-year-old patient Wilfredo Tortolero-Arriechi, who stabbed him multiple times in the neck and shoulder with a 5-inch kitchen knife. The suspect had also threatened a doctor at the facility. A San Francisco Sheriff’s Office deputy stationed nearby intervened and restrained the attacker. Rangel was rushed to surgery but succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.

In the wake of his death, colleagues and community members held a candlelight vigil at the hospital to pay tribute to Rangel. Monica Gandhi launched a GoFundMe campaign in his honor, writing, “On Thursday December 4th, Alberto went to work doing what he does best: providing excellent support and care to his patients and colleagues. In an unexpected tragedy, he was violently assaulted and passed on December 6.” She added, “Alberto: a beloved spouse, brother, social worker, friend and human. We are creating this donation platform and will be sending the donations to an organization that was important to Alberto.”

The GoFundMe campaign has received widespread support, with 770 donations totaling $64,964 so far, nearing its $90,000 goal. Donors have shared memories of Rangel’s compassion and dedication, honoring his legacy as a caring social worker and beloved member of the UCSF community.