HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (October 20, 2025) — Police have identified 45-year-old Eric John Williams of Garden Grove as the bicyclist killed Monday morning when a car struck three riders along Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. Two others were hospitalized with serious injuries, and the driver was taken into custody a short time later.
Accident Details: The crash happened around 6:45 a.m. between Beach Boulevard and Newland Street, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department. Officers arrived to find three cyclists down in the bike lane and a Mercedes-Benz with front-end damage nearby.
Investigators said the driver, Amber Calderon, 43, of Long Beach, drove off after the crash but stopped about half a mile away, where she was arrested. Police booked her on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, and possession of narcotics.
Williams died at the scene. The two other cyclists were taken to nearby hospitals with severe injuries, though police have not shared their names or current conditions. Pacific Coast Highway was closed for several hours as officers examined the scene and cleared the roadway.
Investigation: Detectives are looking into whether speeding, distraction, or impairment played a role. They are reviewing dashcam footage, vehicle data, and evidence collected from the Mercedes to piece together what happened.
Police said all three cyclists were riding in the marked bike lane when they were hit. The section of Pacific Coast Highway where the crash occurred has long stretches with fast-moving traffic, making it dangerous for cyclists when drivers fail to stay alert. Authorities have asked anyone with information or footage of the incident to reach out to Huntington Beach police investigators.
Legal Considerations: When a driver under the influence causes a fatal crash, the harm extends far beyond the scene itself. Families are left with sudden loss, hospital and funeral costs, and the emotional impact of losing someone without warning. California law allows relatives to seek accountability for that loss through claims connected to negligence or wrongful death.
The investigation’s findings—covering speed, impairment, and vehicle control—will determine how fault is assigned. Those details matter not only for the criminal case but also for helping families understand what led to the tragedy and how it might have been prevented.
We share heartfelt condolences with the loved ones of Eric John Williams and hope for steady recovery for the two injured cyclists.
Source: Press-Telegram