Overview
- Eric Williams, 45, was struck and killed while riding with two friends on Oct. 20 in a predawn crash on Pacific Coast Highway; the other cyclists suffered severe injuries including spinal fractures, broken ribs and a broken ankle.
- Police say the driver, Amber Kristine Calderon, 43, of Long Beach, allegedly veered onto the shoulder, fled with a flat tire and significant vehicle damage, and was stopped about half a mile away after witnesses followed and blocked her.
- Prosecutors charged Calderon on Oct. 22 with one felony count of hit-and-run causing permanent injury or death and two felony counts of hit-and-run with injury, carrying a potential sentence of up to five years and four months.
- Hundreds gathered Friday for a candlelight vigil at Eastgate Park as friends remembered Williams as a father of four, founder of Community Church of West Garden Grove and an avid cyclist.
- Toxicology results remain pending as investigators review possible impairment, and a GoFundMe has been launched to assist Williams’ family with expenses.