Dear Colleagues,

It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we share the devastating news that our colleague, Alberto Rangel, LMFT, passed away from the injuries he sustained in the tragic attack at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) on Dec. 4, 2025. His loss is felt profoundly across our entire community.

Alberto was a cherished member of the UCSF and ZSFG teams – a warm, dedicated, and deeply compassionate behavioral health clinician who devoted his career to supporting patients during their most vulnerable moments.

He was known for his kindness, his ability to meet people with humanity and respect, and his unwavering belief in the dignity of every person he served. Through his work, Alberto touched countless lives, offering comfort, connection, and healing to patients, families, and colleagues alike.

Alberto’s commitment to the mission we share – delivering exceptional care, advancing health equity, and serving all in the community – was evident in everything he did. His presence made our campus stronger, our teams more connected, and our patients better supported. Losing him in this way is heartbreaking beyond words, and we mourn alongside all who knew and loved him.

Please know that our highest priority is the safety of every single member of the UCSF community. When incidents like this happen, while extremely rare, they are nonetheless shocking and deeply upsetting. UCSF leaders are working with city leaders to ensure that we identify threats, that our campus workplaces are free of harm, and that an event such as this never occurs again.

We recognize that this loss is not only tragic, but deeply traumatic for many. The UCSF and ZSFG leadership teams are present on campus to support staff, faculty, learners, and all who are grieving. In the coming days, we will share opportunities to honor Alberto’s life and legacy, and to stand together as a community in remembrance.

As we grieve together, let us also hold close Alberto’s spirit of compassion, service, and humanity – qualities that define the very best of who we strive to be.

With deepest sympathy and gratitude for this community,

Sam Hawgood, MBBS
Chancellor
Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Distinguished Professor

Talmadge E. King, Jr., MD
Dean, UCSF School of Medicine
Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs, UCSF