Crime & Safety
Missing Ashburn Man Dies In Fairfax Motorcycle Crash
Simon H. Chang, 39, went missing Aug. 16. Chang, a teacher at South Lakes High School in Reston, was found dead Aug. 22 in Fairfax County.
FAIRFAX, VA — A 39-year-old man reported missing last week is dead after it appeared the motorcycle he was driving went off the road and crashed into a wooded area near the 4900 block of Alliance Drive. Police said a groundskeeper discovered the body of Simon Chang, of Ashburn, near the wreckage of his motorcycle on the afternoon of Aug. 22.
On Aug. 19, police requested help from the public in locating Chang, who was last in contact with a friend Aug. 9 and was reported missing by a family member Aug. 16. Police said there was concern for Chang's well-being because he did not show up for work Monday in Fairfax County. They believed Chang left his home on Fellowship Square and was riding his blue 2012 Ducati motorcycle.
Detectives believe the Chang was riding a motorcycle from Lee Highway to northbound Fairfax County Parkway when the motorcycle ran off the right shoulder of the ramp and came to rest in a wooded area adjacent to a runoff pond. Detectives found no indication that any other vehicles were involved and have not determined if speed or alcohol were factors.
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Chang was a teacher at South Lakes High School in Reston. South Lakes issued a statement on Saturday saying that the community was "mourning the death" of Chang, who they identified as a special education teacher and member of the boys basketball coaching staff.
"Mr. Chang was as a beloved member of the Seahawk family," the statement reads. "He will be remembered for his positivity and dedication to our staff and students. He will be greatly missed. We have been in contact with Mr. Chang's family to offer our condolences and support."
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The school provided counselors and an FCPS crisis team on Monday to meet with students or staff who needed support.
"Our thoughts are with Mr. Chang's family and friends during this difficult time," the school added.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Fairfax County Police Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543.
Patch staffer Dan Taylor contributed to this report
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