URGENT UPDATE: A Long Beach woman has been charged with upgraded counts of vehicular manslaughter after toxicology tests revealed she had fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana in her system at the time of the fatal crash that killed a 45-year-old pastor in Huntington Beach. Officials confirmed the developments on Tuesday, heightening the urgency surrounding the case.
The incident, which occurred earlier this year, involved Amber Calderon, 43, who drove her vehicle into three bicyclists, resulting in the tragic death of a beloved pastor and father of four. The pastor’s family and the community are grappling with the profound loss, emphasizing the human impact of this devastating event.
Authorities report that the toxicology results, released just days ago, showed significant levels of drugs in Calderon’s system, raising serious concerns about her state while operating the vehicle. Investigators are now focusing on how these substances may have impaired her ability to drive safely.
The pastor, whose identity has not been disclosed pending further investigation, leaves behind a grieving family and a community in shock. Friends and relatives have expressed outrage and sorrow, calling for justice and stricter measures against impaired driving.
As the case progresses, Calderon is expected to appear in court again next month. The prosecution is seeking to hold her accountable not only for the pastor’s death but also for the injuries sustained by the other bicyclists involved in the crash.
Community leaders are urging heightened awareness regarding the dangers of drug-impaired driving, emphasizing the need for preventive measures to protect cyclists and pedestrians.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the impact of this tragedy continues to resonate throughout the Huntington Beach area and beyond.
