John Cheng died attempting to help rescue an indeterminate number of people from assault, Laguna Woods, California, May 15, 2022. At least 45 people were in a church social hall following a luncheon when a 68-year-old man armed with two pistols fired one of the guns, first striking the ceiling, then lowered it and fired shots, injuring five elderly congregants. Cheng, 52, family and sports medicine doctor, was seated at a table about 25 feet away from the assailant. After hearing the first shot, Cheng stood up and charged the assailant, causing both men to fall to the floor beneath a table. There, a struggle ensued, and the assailant shot Cheng three times in the chest. The assailant stood up and struggled to either reload or unjam his weapon. The church’s former pastor, standing about 20 feet away on a stage, advanced, grabbed a chair and struck the assailant’s back, causing him to fall to the ground. The pastor held the assailant down, but he shouted for help, and others responded and assisted in restraining the assailant with an extension cord until police arrived. The assailant, with a second gun found in an ankle holster, was taken into custody. The four men and one woman who also were shot survived their injuries. Cheng died from his gunshot wounds.
Obituary
John Cheng, age 52, of Laguna Niguel, California passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2022. John was born June 16, 1969.
John Cheng was a prominent Orange County, California doctor specializing in sport medicine with the South Coast Medical Group. He also served as a volunteer team physician for Aliso Niguel High School’s football program. Dr. Cheng was killed during a mass shooting at the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California. He is being hailed as a hero after he tackled the gunman and attempted to disarm him, which allowed parishioners to step in and help. His heroic actions saved many lives. During the struggle, Cheng was shot several times and was pronounced dead at the scene. Dr. Cheng leaves behind his wife and two children.