Motorcyclist Killed In Laguna Beach DUI Crash

Unlike drivers of cars or trucks, motorcyclists are more exposed to the elements and the dangers of the road. Because of this, an accident can end in more severe injuries or even death.

The Orange County Register reports that this is likely what happened when a 55-year-old motorcyclist from Corona collided with a motorist in Laguna Beach on Saturday, August 7th. 

Lt, Jim Cota, spokesperson for the Laguna Beach Police Department, said in a statement to reporters that the fatal crash happened at approximately 10:15 p.m. in the 2300 block of Laguna Canyon Road near the Laguna College of Art and Design. 

The motorcyclist, a resident of Corona, was riding his motorcycle along Laguna Canyon Road when he attempted to pass three other vehicles in front of him. As he was passing the cars, one of the drivers, 68-year-old Becky Merrifield Ettinger of Huntington Beach, attempted to make a U-turn. The motorcyclist slammed into the turning vehicle, and he was ejected from his bike.

After conducting field sobriety tests and interviewing eyewitnesses, Laguna Beach Police officers placed Ettinger under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. 

According to Lt. Coda, Laguna Canyon Road was shut down until approximately 5:45 a.m. Sunday morning. 

The crash remains under investigation.

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