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A motorcyclist was killed after crossing into the opposite lane and slamming head-on into an SUV on North Vasco Road in unincorporated Livermore on Sunday night, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The deceased rider was identified as Dr. Gilbert Chang, 48, of Brentwood, according to the CHP.
Chang was a well-regarded cardiologist in the East Bay affiliated with several hospitals including John Muir Walnut Creek, John Muir Concord, Sutter Antioch and North Bay Fairfield.
The Livermore man who was driving the SUV, which was traveling in its correct southbound lane, was under investigation for allegedly being under the influence of alcohol, but it appears the CHP will not be pursuing charges in light of the at-fault motorcyclist dying.
The collision occurred just after 9 p.m. Sunday on North Vasco Road north of the city limits in unincorporated Livermore just south of the access road to the Republic Services Vasco Road Landfill, according to the CHP.
Chang was riding a red 2018 Ducati motorcycle northbound on North Vasco Road at an undetermined speed when, for unknown reasons, he allowed the motorcycle to cross the double-yellow lines and move into the southbound lane, the CHP said.
The motorcycle then slammed into the front of an oncoming silver 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer, which was traveling in the southbound lane at an unknown speed, according to the CHP.
“The motorcyclist was ejected from the Ducati and struck the windshield of the Chevy. The motorcyclist then collided with the roadway, where he came to rest,” CHP officials reported.
Chang was pronounced dead at the scene by Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department personnel at 9:24 p.m.
The Trailblazer driver, identified as 34-year-old Dustin Holland of Livermore, sustained major injuries and was transported by Falck Paramedics ambulance to Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley for treatment, according to the CHP.
Holland was initially placed under arrest on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI, but CHP officials said Monday that “due to the driver of the motorcycle being deceased, there are no pending charges.”
North Vasco Road was closed for multiple hours through the crash area due to the investigation and cleanup.
The initial reports on the CHP Incident webpage indicated three or four vehicles were involved in the fatal collision, but CHP officials confirmed Monday it was only the motorcycle and SUV.
Chang’s death was one of two fatal crashes in Livermore on Sunday. A wrong-way driver was killed after colliding head-on with an oncoming vehicle on Interstate 580 around 6:30 a.m. that morning.
RIP Dr. Chang. You will be missed..
Dustin is an amazing father and loving nephew. In a blink of an eye his life was changed forever. Long road ahead to recover but we are so thankful he is still with us.
Note: Dustin was clearedfa of DUI charge not only due to the circumstances, His blood test and family supported that he was not intoxicated.
You will be miss Dr. Chang
Dr Chang was one of the best cardiologist I’ve ever met! Big loss for the community,RIP Dr Chang!
We lost a beloved and caring colleague. He was a trusted clinician and friend. Gilbert was alswqys available in times a need and never lost his smile. We are heart broken to lose such a person. Our condolence to the family, we will miss Gilbert dearly.
Dr. Chang was the shining example of a kind human, a brilliant Cardiologist and outstanding person. The world has lost a very special man!
You will be missed Dr. Chang
I just loss my son and I can move my life is at a stop I can’t lay him to rest because of this Virus so I said to my self I
Need to keep moving so I got up and said to my self you can do this You have faith I was coming up on my Appointment with Dr. Chang I loved him a great man we have talked about his family my family so many time in his office he loved them so much
His wife and kids his Parents so I got up the week befor my visit to his office he had been on my mind all week I could not understand why so I mad a note on my Calendar to give him a call just to get a call from his office saying that he is no longer with us I just don’t understand my heart goes out to his family he was Heaven sent to all of us that he touched
I was recently in the hospital for heart failure, Dr Chang was assigned to me and I knew when I met him that he was a wonderful doctor. Unlike many doctors, he was easy to talk to, and I felt that he really cared about his patients. I will miss him not only as a doctor but as a human being. God Bless you, Dr. Chang
Dr Chang was the most caring and thoughtful Dr. I have ever had. Was in the hospital at the beginning of March I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and he had heard I was in the hospital he stop by at 10 o’clock at night just to check on me because he knew that they had just told me the news. He truly will be lost and loved his family a lot he would talk about him every chance he got. He also loved riding I also ride and he Told me never give up what I love. Rest in peace
Best doctor I ever had, and that is saying a lot. His surgical skills saved my life just a few years ago: Now, other doctors will take over his duties, but he can not be replaced. I knew of Dr. Chang’s love of fast motorcycles: he showed me photos of the bikes he he had such a passion for… this was just a few days ago. I used to ride, so I understood. He will be sorely missed.
God Bless this kind soul. My physician referred me to Dr. Chang in January after I had a heart attack. I was so scared and upon meeting him, I knew he was different.
Dr. Chang was one of a kind. I was so comforted and felt that he really cared for my well being. I told everyone I know how I spent a few hours in his office telling him my story. That after 4 years with my previous cardiologist, Dr. Chang knew more about me in one visit. He really listened to every word, all of my concerns and fears. I instantly adored him. I pray his family finds comfort and peace knowing that God is with them in this time. I was looking forward to our next visit. Thank you for your friendly nature, your warm smile and the difference you made while you were on Earth. You will be missed.