Cyclist Killed, Two Injured in Huntington Beach Collision

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — A tragic accident occurred Monday morning when a driver struck three bicyclists, killing one and injuring two near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Newland Street.

Officers arrived at the scene shortly after 6:45 a.m. to find the cyclists lying in the roadway. One cyclist, later identified as 45-year-old Eric John Williams from Garden Grove, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.

The two other men were transported to a local hospital with severe injuries, but their identities have not been disclosed. The cyclists were riding in the bike lane when they were struck, and a 2006 gold Mercedes E-Class was involved in the incident.

The driver, 43-year-old Amber Kristine Calderon of Long Beach, initially fled the scene but was apprehended by officers about half a mile away. She faces charges of felony hit-and-run, gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, and possession of narcotics.

Witnesses described the moments following the accident. “They were hit from behind,” said resident Ron Wortman, who expressed concern about cyclist safety. “Somebody just came into the bike lane and took them out.”

Foggy conditions were reported in the area during the time of the crash, but it remains unclear if visibility was a factor in the collision. The police department is conducting further investigations to determine the exact cause of the crash.

All southbound lanes on Pacific Coast Highway were closed temporarily for the investigation but reopened before 1 p.m. on the same day. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is urged to contact the Huntington Beach Police Department at (714) 536-5670.