by Huntington Beach, California — A weekend bike ride along the Pacific Coast Highway ended in tragedy after prosecutors say a drug-impaired driver struck multiple cyclists, killing a father of four and critically injuring two others in a crash that has now led to upgraded felony charges.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office says the incident occurred on October 20 when a woman driving southbound on the coastal highway veered onto the shoulder and into a group of bicycle riders. One cyclist died at the scene, while two others suffered serious injuries.
Prosecutors cite drugs in driver’s system
According to prosecutors, toxicology results later revealed the driver had fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana in her system at the time of the crash. Based on those findings, authorities upgraded the case to felony vehicular manslaughter, citing alleged impairment as a key factor.
Investigators allege the driver did not stop after striking the cyclists. Instead, she continued driving into a nearby beach parking lot, where a witness intervened by blocking her vehicle until law enforcement arrived.
Victim identified as father and pastor
The cyclist who was killed was identified by authorities as Eric Williams, 45, a pastor and father of four. He died at the scene from his injuries, officials said.
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The two other cyclists struck in the crash suffered spinal fractures, broken ribs, and a broken ankle, according to law enforcement. Both were transported for emergency medical treatment and were listed in critical condition following the incident.
“Four young children will wake up Christmas morning for the first time without their father because of the selfish decision of a stranger to drive under the influence of drugs,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement.
Alleged sequence of events outlined in court filings
Court records state the driver left the main roadway and entered the shoulder where the cyclists were riding. The Pacific Coast Highway is a popular route for recreational cyclists, particularly on weekends, due to its ocean views and wide stretches of pavement.
Prosecutors allege the driver’s actions were not accidental but the result of impaired judgment caused by multiple substances in her system.
Authorities emphasized that witnesses played a crucial role by preventing the driver from leaving the area before police arrived.
Court restrictions and potential sentence
The defendant now faces a potential sentence of up to 12 years and four months in prison if convicted on all charges, prosecutors said.
A judge ordered strict conditions while the case proceeds, including prohibitions on driving, consuming alcohol, or using drugs without a valid prescription.
During a recent court hearing, the judge also issued a warning that any future impaired driving incident could lead to murder charges, reflecting California’s increasing use of “Watson advisements” in DUI-related fatal cases.
The defendant is scheduled to return to court on February 20, 2026, according to court records.
Community response and family fundraiser
The death has sparked an outpouring of community support for Williams’ family. A fundraiser established in his memory has raised $391,914, according to organizers.
The campaign states that Williams leaves behind three school-age daughters and a 3-year-old son, along with his wife.
“Eric was a godly man with a heart for people,” the fundraiser description reads. “He spent his life serving others — first as a youth and teaching pastor, and later as the founder of a community church.”
Friends and congregants described him as steady, kind, and deeply committed to helping others, both through faith and everyday acts of service.
Renewed focus on impaired driving dangers
The case has renewed attention on the dangers of drug-impaired driving, particularly along coastal and recreational corridors where cyclists and pedestrians are common.
Prosecutors stressed that combining substances such as opioids, stimulants, and marijuana can severely impair reaction time and judgment, increasing the risk of catastrophic outcomes.
Law enforcement officials continue to urge drivers to plan ahead and avoid driving under the influence of any substance, emphasizing that impairment-related crashes often carry lifelong consequences for victims’ families.
As the case moves forward, Williams’ family and supporters say their focus remains on honoring his legacy while seeking accountability through the court process.
Should penalties for drug-impaired driving be tougher when vulnerable road users are involved? Share your thoughts in the comments.
