News Summary
Huntington Beach is mourning the tragic loss of a cyclist after a hit-and-run accident on the Pacific Coast Highway. The incident, which occurred early Monday morning, involved a vehicle striking three cyclists, resulting in the death of 45-year-old Eric John Williams. The driver fled the scene but was later apprehended and faces multiple charges including felony hit-and-run and DUI. The community is united in grief and support for the victims and their families, prompting fundraising efforts and plans for a vigil.
Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident in Huntington Beach Claims Life of Cyclist
Huntington Beach, a city known for its stunning coastlines and vibrant community, is reeling from a heartbreaking incident that occurred early Monday morning. Just after 6:45 a.m., a collision along the Pacific Coast Highway took a tragic turn, changing lives forever.
Details of the Collision
The crash involved a gold 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class that struck three adult male cyclists who were peacefully riding in the bike lane near the intersection of Newland Street. Sadly, among the cyclists, 45-year-old Eric John Williams from Garden Grove lost his life, being pronounced dead at the scene.
As for the other two cyclists, they sustained severe injuries and were quickly rushed to a nearby hospital, though their identities and current conditions have not been released. The impact was fierce enough to scatter their mangled bicycles up to 50 feet from the point of the collision, leaving the scene a chilling reminder of the accident.
Driver Flees the Scene
The driver, identified as 43-year-old Amber Calderon from Long Beach, did not stick around after the wreck. However, she was later apprehended about half a mile away from the scene. Authorities have arrested Calderon on various serious charges, including felony hit-and-run, gross vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI, and possession of narcotics.
Witnesses described a foggy morning, and their accounts indicated that the cyclists were struck from behind, making the incident even more tragic. In the aftermath, police shut down all southbound lanes of the Pacific Coast Highway between Beach Boulevard and Newland Street to conduct a thorough investigation, which lasted until around 1 p.m.
Community’s Response
The loss of Eric John Williams has left a profound impact on the local community. Known as a pastor and a leader, Williams was well-loved, and community members are coming together to honor his memory. Plans for a vigil are already in motion, allowing friends, family, and community members to pay their respects.
Moreover, a GoFundMe page has been established to support Williams’ grieving family, and as of Wednesday evening, it has garnered nearly $250,000 in donations, showcasing the strong support of the community. Local officials, including Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein, have offered their condolences and acknowledged Williams’ significant contributions.
Legal Proceedings
In the wake of this tragic event, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has charged Calderon with felony hit-and-run causing serious injury and two counts of failing to stop at an accident causing injury or death. The investigation continues as law enforcement officials are particularly interested in gathering additional information. They urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses relevant video evidence to get in touch with the Huntington Beach Police Department at (714) 536-5670.
This sad incident is a painful reminder of the importance of road safety, especially for cyclists. As the community comes to terms with the loss and assists the victims, it’s crucial for all road users to remain vigilant and considerate.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google Search: Huntington Beach Cyclist Accident
- KTLA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
- Los Angeles Times
- Google News: Huntington Beach Cyclist Incident
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.
