News Summary
Pastor Eric Williams, 45, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run while cycling in Huntington Beach. The community mourns him as a devoted father and leader. The driver, Amber Kristine Calderon, faces serious charges. A vigil was held to honor his legacy. The event has left the community heartbroken as they come together to support the Williams family during this tragic time.
Tragic Loss in Huntington Beach: Pastor Eric Williams, 45, Dies in Hit-and-Run
In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken the community of Huntington Beach, Pastor Eric Williams, a devoted father of four, was tragically killed during a bicycle ride. The 45-year-old pastor was struck by a vehicle along the Pacific Coast Highway at Newland Street on a Monday morning, leaving his family and friends in deep mourning.
A Day of Joy Turns to Tragedy
Pastor Williams was participating in a group bike ride when the unfortunate crash occurred. It is a day that was meant for enjoyment, but it quickly turned to sorrow when he was hit by a car and pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses say that the impact was severe, and tragically, two other cyclists were also injured in the accident, requiring hospitalization for their injuries that included spinal fractures, broken ribs, and a broken ankle.
A Grieving Community and a Faithful Family
The driver involved, Amber Kristine Calderon, a 43-year-old woman from Long Beach, has since been charged with several felonies, including hit-and-run causing permanent injury or death and two counts of hit-and-run with injury. Shortly after the incident, she was apprehended about half a mile away from the accident site, where she had abandoned her vehicle.
If convicted, Calderon faces a maximum prison sentence of 5 years and 4 months. Authorities are currently investigating the crash to determine whether speeding or distracted driving were factors, with toxicology results for Calderon still pending.
A Legacy of Love and Service
Pastor Williams wasn’t just a respected figure within his church community but a loving husband and father. He was the founder of the Community Church of West Garden Grove and had recently celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary with his wife. As the news of his passing spread, his family expressed their deep faith in God, extending their forgiveness to the woman responsible for this heartbreaking event.
A Community Comes Together
The tragic loss has hit the community hard, with gatherings taking place to honor Pastor Williams’ memory. A candlelight vigil was held, filled with family, friends, and community members who gathered to celebrate his life and legacy. Many attendees shared stories of Williams as a kind, loving, and generous individual who made a significant impact on those around him.
Support for the Family
In light of this tragic event, a GoFundMe account has been established to support the Williams family during these incredibly challenging times. The grief is palpable within the community, as they come together to provide support in any way possible.
In Conclusion
The hit-and-run incident in Huntington Beach serves as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change. While the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring the legacy of Pastor Eric Williams, whose kind spirit touched so many lives. His commitment to his family, faith, and community will be remembered as his loved ones and the entire Huntington Beach community navigate this immense loss together.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Beloved Pastor
Tragic Hit-and-Run in Huntington Beach Claims Life of Cyclist
Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident in Huntington Beach Claims Life of Cyclist
Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Local Cyclist in Huntington Beach
Additional Resources
- ABC 7 News
- Google Search: Huntington Beach Pastor Eric Williams hit-and-run
- OC Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: hit-and-run
- Patch
- 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.
