Alberto Rangel, a beloved social worker at San Francisco General Hospital, was fatally stabbed on Thursday while on duty. His colleagues described a chaotic and emotional scene as they tried to save him and comfort one another in the aftermath.
Tragic Incident in Ward 86
Jessica Hoopengardner, a registered nurse, heard barking and screams while working in Ward 86. She rushed to the hospital’s long-term HIV care clinic and found her coworker, Rangel, lying on the floor surrounded by people trying to help him.
“He was fighting it,” Hoopengardner said through tears. “You could see he was stunned and not ready.”
The suspect, later identified as patient Wilfredo Tortolero-Arriechi, covered his face with a shirt while staff attempted to stop the bleeding. Colleagues questioned why the attacker was not immediately restrained and why the knife remained within reach.
Emergency Response and Vigil
Rangel was quickly taken to surgery but died two days later from his injuries. On Sunday, hospital staff and community members held a vigil outside the hospital to mourn their colleague. Candles were lit, and people huddled together, remembering Rangel’s dedication to patients and his work in HIV care.
Remembering Alberto Rangel
Rangel was described as a talented artist and dancer and a devoted social worker who cared deeply for his patients. Just days before the attack, he had returned from a trip abroad with his husband of over 20 years.
Concerns About Patient Threats
The suspect, Tortolero-Arriechi, had a history of troubling behavior that hospital staff had reported weeks before the attack. He was seeking a specific doctor in the clinic and later went to Ward 86, where he encountered Rangel.
Staff reported that security measures were insufficient, with a deputy focused solely on protecting the doctor, leaving the rest of the ward at risk. Authorities later recovered a 5-inch knife used in the attack.
Community Support and Hospital Response
A GoFundMe account supporting charitable causes related to Rangel quickly raised more than $63,000. The hospital and the San Francisco Department of Public Health announced new security measures, including “security wanding” at the affected buildings.
Hospital colleagues recalled the terrifying scene. Maddy Auble, a hospital eligibility worker, witnessed Rangel on the floor and described the suspect’s expression as “completely blank”.
“To me, it was evil,” Auble said. “This is unforgivable. I pray for Rangel’s spirit and the fear he must have felt.”
Arrest and Charges
Tortolero-Arriechi, 34, was arrested and charged with murder. He remains in custody without bail. Authorities confirmed he had targeted a doctor, but Rangel became the victim of the violent attack.
Conclusion
The fatal stabbing of Alberto Rangel highlights serious safety concerns at San Francisco General Hospital. His colleagues’ brave efforts to save him and the community’s response show the profound impact of his life and work. Hospital authorities are implementing stricter security measures to prevent future tragedies and honor Rangel’s dedication to his patients.
