FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Family and friends are remembering a 20-year-old Fresno man who died after drowning in the San Joaquin River, reflecting on the impact he made on those who knew him.<\/p>\n
“I really respect people with character and he had a lot of it,” said Elijah Lee, one of Chang’s best friends.<\/p>\n
Vincent Chang, a Clovis High School graduate, died after an incident last Saturday while fishing with friends offshore. According to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Chang and two friends were walking farther out into the water near Sycamore Island when a current swept them into a deeper area. His friends made it back to shore with help from a kayaker.<\/p>\n
First responders rushed Chang to the hospital, where he later died.<\/p>\n
Loved ones said the news of his death was difficult to process.<\/p>\n
“He loved deeply, cared sincerely, and gave generously without expecting anything in return,” said his uncle, John Moua.<\/p>\n
Chang’s family described him as the oldest of four siblings and as someone dedicated to helping others. They said that passion influenced his goal of working in physical therapy.<\/p>\n
“He wanted to help people who were in need, to help get their strength back,” Moua said.<\/p>\n
Family members and friends also remembered Chang as a talented musician who taught himself to play the piano in sixth grade.<\/p>\n
“The first time I heard him play, it was magical,” Moua said.<\/p>\n
That passion for music continued during his four years at Clovis High School, where he participated in the school’s band and won multiple competitions. Loved ones said the band room became a place where he built connections and found a sense of belonging.<\/p>\n
“We cried in here. We laughed here. We did so much together here. We made music here. We made friends here,” said Timothy Her, one of Chang’s best friends.<\/p>\n
Those who knew him said his presence left a lasting mark.<\/p>\n
“The Elton John show that we did a revamp, we won our first-ever Central Valley title. A lot of it is the magic that he brought to that field,” said Esmeralda Lozano, Chang’s music teacher.<\/p>\n
Friends said his influence continues to be felt through memories and shared experiences.<\/p>\n
“Vincent, I miss you. It’s going to be good. I know you’re looking from up above and just taking care of everyone,” Her said.<\/p>\n
A funeral service for Chang is planned for next month. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with costs. If you would like to donate, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n For news updates, follow Ana Torrea on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n