News Summary
A tragic incident in Huntington Beach occurred when an intoxicated driver struck three cyclists, resulting in one fatality and two serious injuries. The collision took place on Pacific Coast Highway, leading to the death of 45-year-old Eric John Williams. The driver, Amber Calderon, has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter. This incident adds to the growing concern over cyclist safety in Southern California, highlighting the dangers posed by impaired driving.
Tragic Collision in Huntington Beach Claims Life of Cyclist
Huntington Beach was rocked by a tragic incident on Monday morning as an intoxicated woman was involved in a collision that left one cyclist dead and two others severely injured. The horrific crash took place around 6:45 a.m. near Beach Boulevard on the bustling Pacific Coast Highway, a popular route for both tourists and locals.
The Irony of a Scenic Ride
As the sun was just starting to rise, three adult men were enjoying their morning ride on their bicycles along the shoulder of the highway when the unthinkable happened. In what can only be described as a nightmare scenario, they were struck by a gold 2006 Mercedes Benz E-Class, driven by Amber Calderon, a 43-year-old woman from Long Beach.
The impact was devastating. One of the cyclists, identified as Eric John Williams, a 45-year-old from Garden Grove, tragically lost his life at the scene, leaving family and friends in unbearable grief. The identities and health statuses of the other two injured men remain unknown, but they were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment, highlighting the serious nature of their injuries.
Detained but Not Before Fleeing
After the collision, Calderon fled the scene. However, her escape was short-lived, as she was arrested approximately half a mile away. Now she faces a range of serious charges, including felony DUI, possession of narcotics, gross vehicular manslaughter, and hit-and-run. The consequences of her actions have already caused deep sorrow, and if found guilty, they could lead to harsh penalties.
The Investigation
The investigation into this tragic accident is being spearheaded by the Huntington Beach Police Department’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team. Their thorough work aims to uncover all facts surrounding the collision, making it clear what led to this loss of life and injury to others. Initially, all southbound lanes of the Pacific Coast Highway were closed to facilitate this investigation but reopened shortly before 1 p.m. that same day.
A Growing Concern
This unfortunate event is part of a disturbing trend in Southern California, with this incident marking at least the 48th bicycling fatality in the region for the year and tragically, the sixth in Orange County alone. The increasing number of such incidents raises serious concerns about cyclist safety and the dangers posed by impaired drivers.
Seeking More Information
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information regarding the collision to get in touch with the Huntington Beach Police Department at 714-536-5670. Every bit of information can help shed light on this unfortunate event, and it’s crucial for community safety moving forward.
Final Thoughts
The loss experienced by the victims’ families hits hard, and this tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the lives that can be forever altered by reckless behavior. As the community comes together to support those affected, everyone is reminded to be vigilant, whether they are on the road as drivers or enjoying the sunny California coast as cyclists.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragedy Strikes Huntington Beach: Bicyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run
Tragic Collision on Pacific Coast Highway Claims Life of Bicyclist
Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident in Huntington Beach Claims Life of Bicyclist
Tragic Accident in Huntington Beach: Bicyclist Killed in DUI Collision
Tragedy Strikes Huntington Beach: Cyclist Collision Leaves One Dead and Two Injured
Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident Claims Life of Bicyclist in Huntington Beach
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: DUI Hit-and-Run in Huntington Beach
- KTLA: Cyclist Dead in Hit-and-Run
- Biking in LA: Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
- My News LA: Bicyclist Killed in Huntington Beach
- Patch: Bicyclist Killed in OC Crash
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- Google Search: Huntington Beach cyclist collision
- Google Scholar: Cyclist Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Google News: Huntington Beach hit-and-run
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.
