Fresno man, 20, remembered as ‘selfless’ and a ‘naturally gifted musician’

Selfless, compassionate, creative, big-hearted, happy.

These are a few of the words friends and family used to describe Vincent Chang, a 20-year-old from Fresno who died June 20 after an incident while fishing with friends in the San Joaquin River.

Chang’s community came together for a vigil last Friday to share memories and stories about him and the impact he had on their lives. The vigil took place in the Clovis High School band room, a space where Chang thrived. Esmeralda Lozano, his music teacher at Clovis High, described him as a “naturally gifted musician.“

Chang was a self-taught pianist, according to his uncle John Moua. In the seventh grade, Chang, who was a big fan of anime, “fell in love” with the song “Bluebird” from the show “Naruto.”

His musical talent eventually led him to serve as “synth one,” the band’s main pianist, for all four years of high school, according to Tim Her, one of Chang’s closest friends.

Chang’s musical gift played a role in the Clovis High School Golden Cougar Marching Band and Color Guard winning the Western Band Association Regional Award, according to a GoFundMe created by Chang’s family.

“He was part of our marching band, our symphony orchestra, our winter ensemble, and our winter percussion ensemble, so he was just always here,” Lozano said about the Clovis High band room. “He was just always here. This was his home.”

Lozano recalled an Elton John show the Clovis High band put on in which Chang was a piano soloist, describing him as a “star.”

“He actually didn’t even know who Elton John was,” Lozano laughed. “I said, ‘OK, and I’m trying to explain to him who Elton John is,’ and then I go, ‘But you’re Vincent John, you are better.’”

Chang, who graduated from Clovis High in 2024, went on to attend California State University, Fresno, where he just finished his second year. His genuine passion to help people inspired him to want to become a physical therapist, according to his uncle.

Chang had a natural ability to care for others, and a talent to “see the perfect and positive in every single living being,” Moua said.

“I wish that he was able to continue to spread and let the world see that,” Moua said of Chang’s compassionate personality.

Chang’s care for others was especially evident in his relationship with his family, according to some of Chang’s close friends.

“He took it with pride, he never saw it as a burden,” said Elijah Lee on Chang’s role as a big brother. “He loved his family, he was very family-oriented.”

Paofue Moua, also one of Chang’s friends, recalled a time when Chang randomly called him at 6 a.m. and asked if he wanted to volunteer for an event at a local middle school for the day. The request came out of nowhere, but to Paofue, this exemplified something innate about Chang, his desire to help others.

“He was even asking us, ‘Hey, should we do it again this year?’” said Paofue. “‘Sure, we’ll do it again this year.’”

Chang’s friends recall his happy personality, and his ability to make those around him smile and feel cared for.

“He’s very self-sacrificing, selfless,” Lee said. He’s very honorable, in my opinion… He was just great, all in all.”

Lozano, Chang’s music teacher, said the loss of Chang was a shock. Some part of her, she said, still expects him to walk through the band room door to visit.

“When you lose such a beautiful soul with a big personality…you ask yourself, why, why you,” Lozano said. “He made the most of every minute he was on this earth. Most people won’t even live the kind of life he lived their entire life, and he shared joy and love and appreciation for everyone.”