News Summary
A tragic hit-and-run accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach claimed the life of a 45-year-old bicyclist, Eric John Williams. Two other cyclists were injured in the incident involving a fleeing driver, Amber Kristine Calderon, who was later apprehended. Investigations are ongoing as the community mourns this loss and seeks to improve cyclist safety.
Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident in Huntington Beach Claims Life of Bicyclist
This morning in beautiful Huntington Beach, tragedy struck on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) when a motor vehicle collided with three unsuspecting bicyclists. The accident happened around 6:45 a.m., near Newland Street, not far from Lifeguard Station 13. It was a shocking start to the day for the local community.
A Bicyclist Loses His Life
The unfortunate outcome of this incident was the loss of life of 45-year-old Eric John Williams, a resident of Garden Grove. He was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving family and friends in disbelief. As for the other two cyclists, they were rushed to the hospital with severe injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
Scene of the Crash
Witnesses reported that the cyclists were riding safely in the bike lane when they were struck from behind. The aftermath was chaotic, with mangled bicycles scattered across the road and debris flung as far as 50 feet from the point of impact. The local community is still reeling from the sight, making this a day no one will quickly forget.
Driver Arrested
The driver, identified as Amber Kristine Calderon, a 43-year-old from Long Beach, fled the scene—an action that added to the shock of the incident. However, authorities apprehended her roughly half a mile away. Calderon’s vehicle, a 2006 gold Mercedes E-Class, bore the scars of the collision and was seen with significant damage, which likely rendered it undrivable.
Charges Filed
Amber Kristine Calderon has been booked on multiple serious charges, including felony hit-and-run, gross vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI, and possession of narcotics. Interestingly, if Calderon has prior DUI convictions, the charges could be escalated to murder, adding an even graver dimension to this already tragic situation.
The Investigation Continues
Authorities are actively investigating the crash, aiming to piece together the exact cause and circumstances leading up to the accident. Preliminary indications suggest that DUI may have played a role, especially given the condition of the driver at the time. Witness accounts mentioned that the morning was foggy, which adds another layer of complexity to the incident.
A Rising Trend of Bicycling Fatalities
This heartbreaking incident marks at least the 48th bicycling fatality in Southern California for this year, and further highlights a troubling statistic: it’s the sixth such death in Orange County alone this year. Bicyclists are increasingly facing dangers on the roads, prompting calls for better safety measures.
Community Awareness and Response
In the wake of this tragedy, the Huntington Beach Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Residents are encouraged to contact the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team at the police department, stressing the importance of community cooperation in such dire situations.
Traffic Impact
As police were conducting the investigation, all southbound lanes of PCH were temporarily closed, leading to increased traffic and delays. Fortunately, the investigation wrapped up, and the road was reopened before 1 p.m. the same day.
With emotions still running high, the Huntington Beach community is left to heal and reflect on the dangers faced daily by cyclists. As they remember the life lost and support those injured, this tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety for all.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Accident in Huntington Beach Claims Young Life
Huntington Beach Shaken by Morning Shotgun Incident
Fullerton Man Arrested for Attempted Murder of Bicyclist
Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: Bicycling Fatalities in the United States
- LA Times
- Google Search: Bicyclist Safety Statistics
- KTLA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bicycle
- California Injury Accident Lawyer
- Google News: Huntington Beach Bicycle Accident
- Biking in LA
- Google Scholar: Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google Search: Huntington Beach Civil Lawsuits
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
