A morning group ride along Pacific Coast Highway ended in tragedy when a suspected drunk driver struck three cyclists in Huntington Beach, killing one and seriously injuring two others.
According to the Huntington Beach Police Department, the collision occurred shortly before 7 a.m. near Newland Street. The cyclists were riding in the designated southbound bike lane when a vehicle veered into their path. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but one rider—identified by friends as 45-year-old Eric Williams of Garden Grove—was pronounced dead at the scene. The two remaining riders were transported to a local hospital with severe but non-life-threatening injuries.
Remembering the Cyclists
Eric Williams was a well-known member of the local cycling and triathlon community. Friends described him as “the kind of rider who always looked out for others” and “someone who made group rides safer and more fun.” He often participated in charity rides and weekend training sessions along the Orange County coast.
The two injured cyclists are both experienced riders who frequently trained on PCH—a route that is both scenic and heavily trafficked. The incident has shaken the broader Southern California cycling community, where safety and driver awareness remain ongoing concerns.
Suspected Drunk Driver Arrested
Police arrested Amber Calderon, 43, of Long Beach, on multiple felony charges including driving under the influence, gross vehicular manslaughter, and hit-and-run. Investigators say she continued driving for several blocks before stopping her vehicle, a gold Mercedes E-Class, near the Huntington Beach power plant. Officers reported signs of intoxication and located narcotics inside the car.
Calderon was taken into custody at the scene and booked into Orange County Jail. She is expected to face multiple felony counts once formal charges are filed.
Safety Concerns on Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Coast Highway is one of Southern California’s most popular cycling routes, connecting beach cities from Seal Beach to Dana Point. Despite marked bike lanes and wide shoulders in sections, the corridor continues to see a high volume of traffic and speeding.
Local advocacy groups have renewed calls for improved cyclist protection—such as buffered lanes, increased DUI enforcement, and public awareness campaigns highlighting the “3-Foot Law,” which requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing.
Community Response and Next Steps
The Huntington Beach Police Department’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team continues to collect witness statements and evidence from the scene. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact HBPD’s Traffic Bureau.
Fundraiser Supporting the Williams Family
A GoFundMe Fundraiser has been created to support Eric Williams young family.
Candlelight Vigil
A Call for Safer Roads
This tragic crash serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by impaired driving. For cyclists across Southern California, it reinforces the need for:
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Greater driver education about sharing the road
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Consistent DUI enforcement and penalties
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Improved visibility and road design for bike lanes
The cycling community continues to rally around the victims and their families, emphasizing a shared goal—making the roads safer for everyone.
