News Summary
A hit-and-run incident in Huntington Beach has resulted in the death of a bicyclist and serious injuries to two others. The crash involved three cyclists at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Newland Street. The driver fled but was later apprehended and faces several charges. The local community is in shock, and officials urge for safer driving practices to prevent such incidents in the future.
Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident Claims Life of Bicyclist in Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is reeling from a devastating incident that occurred on Monday morning, when a hit-and-run crash resulted in the unfortunate demise of one bicyclist and serious injuries to two others. The accident took place at the bustling intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Newland Street just after 6:45 a.m.
What Happened?
Authorities started receiving reports of a terrible crash involving three bicyclists and a car. The victims, all adult males, were riding in the bike lane when disaster struck. One cyclist, identified as Eric John Williams, 45, hailing from Garden Grove, sadly succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two riders were quickly transported to nearby hospitals, where they are currently being treated for severe injuries. As of now, their identities and conditions remain undisclosed.
The Crash Details
A preliminary investigation revealed a 2006 gold Mercedes E-Class was responsible for the tragic incident, having struck the bicyclists from behind. Witnesses described the chaos after the crash, noting that debris and mangled bicycles were scattered over an area of up to 50 feet from the impact point. The scene was described as heartbreakingly chaotic, with the remaining riders desperately needing help.
The driver involved has been identified as Amber Calderon, a 43-year-old woman from Long Beach. After hitting the cyclists, she fled the scene, only to be apprehended approximately half a mile away. Calderon now faces serious charges, including felony hit-and-run, gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, and possession of narcotics.
Conditions at the Time
At the time of the accident, there were reports of foggy conditions in the Huntington Beach area. Authorities are currently investigating whether factors such as speed or distracted driving contributed to this tragic event.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The local community is in shock as this tragic event unfolds. With such a notable loss and the ongoing recovery of the injured cyclists, many are left reflecting on the importance of cyclist safety. In light of the seriousness of the incident, all southbound lanes of Pacific Coast Highway were temporarily closed for the investigation but were reopened shortly before 1 p.m..
The Huntington Beach Police Department’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team is overseeing the investigation. They are asking for anyone with additional information related to the crash to reach out to them at (714) 536-5670. All tips, big or small, could help piece together the events leading to this heart-wrenching situation.
A Call for Safety
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by bicyclists on the road. As we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Eric John Williams and wish for the swift recovery of the injured riders, let us all take a moment to consider how we can promote safer driving practices to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- OC Register
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Bicyclist Hit-and-Run Huntington Beach
- Biking in LA
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.
