News Summary
A tragic accident in Huntington Beach early this morning left one bicyclist dead and two others injured after a DUI collision on the Pacific Coast Highway. The cyclist, 45-year-old Eric John Williams, was pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The driver, Amber Kristine Calderon, attempted to flee but was apprehended and charged with multiple offenses. Authorities urge witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues into this devastating incident.
Tragic Accident in Huntington Beach: Bicyclist Killed in DUI Collision
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Huntington Beach experienced a tragic collision early this morning that left one bicyclist dead and two others injured. The accident took place on the bustling Pacific Coast Highway just shortly after 6:45 a.m., a time when many locals and tourists are out enjoying the scenic views.
Details of the Incident
Authorities received alarming reports regarding an accident involving three adult men and their bicycles in the southbound lanes of the highway, particularly near the intersection of PCH and Newland Street. Upon arrival, they discovered that one of the cyclists, identified as Eric John Williams—a 45-year-old resident of Garden Grove—had tragically been pronounced dead at the scene.
Sadly, two other cyclists were not as fortunate either. They sustained severe injuries and were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. As of now, their identities and current conditions remain unknown.
The Driver’s Actions
The driver involved in this devastating collision was Amber Kristine Calderon, a 43-year-old woman from Long Beach. Calderon was driving a gold 2006 Mercedes Benz E-Class at the time of the incident. Disturbingly, after hitting the cyclists, she initially decided to flee the scene. However, she didn’t get far, stopping just half a mile away.
Charges Filed Against the Driver
In the aftermath of the accident, Calderon was arrested and has been booked on multiple serious charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run, felony DUI, and possession of narcotics. These charges highlight the seriousness of her alleged actions and the tragic outcome that resulted.
Investigation Underway
Following the accident, all southbound lanes of the Pacific Coast Highway from Beach Boulevard to Newland Street were temporarily closed as officials launched their investigation. Traffic remained diverted until just before 1 p.m. when the lanes were reopened to the public.
The investigation is being handled by the Huntington Beach Police Department’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team, which is working diligently to piece together the events that led up to this tragic incident.
Call for Witnesses
Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has any information related to the case to reach out. Those with details are urged to contact the Huntington Beach police at (714) 536-5670. Every bit of information could be crucial as they seek to understand how this unfortunate accident occurred.
This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers on our roadways, particularly for those who ride bicycles. As the community mourns the loss of Eric John Williams and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured cyclists, the focus will inevitably shift to ensuring that such tragic events are prevented in the future.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- KTLA
- Orange County Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Driving Under the Influence
- Google Search: Bicycling Safety
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.
