A Ventura cyclist lost his life and another bicyclist was killed after a pickup truck allegedly veered into a bicycle lane Thursday evening along State Route 1 near Solimar Beach Road, authorities said.
The California Highway Patrol identified one of the victims as William Colby Tucker, 39, of Ventura. Investigators said Tucker was riding northbound with other cyclists when a Nissan Frontier pickup entered the designated bike lane and struck the group from behind at about 7:08 p.m.
Tucker suffered severe injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he later died. A 33-year-old Oregon woman also died as a result of the collision. A third bicyclist sustained minor injuries.
The driver, identified as 24-year-old Gabriel Esquivel, was arrested following the crash. Authorities said he has been charged with second-degree murder, DUI causing injury, and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Officials noted that Esquivel had previously received Watson advisements following an earlier DUI arrest, a factor that contributed to the murder charge filed in connection with the fatal collision.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence and reviewing the events that led to the crash.