VENTURA: Driver Charged with Murder in Fatal Crash PCH Involving Cyclists
Bicyclists Killed were Kellie Standish, 33, and William Colby Tucker, 39
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (June 18, 2026) — Kellie Standish, 33, of Bend, Oregon, and William Colby Tucker, 39, of Ventura, were killed in a suspected DUI crash on Old Pacific Coast Highway last week, and a third bicyclist was injured, according to prosecutors who have now filed murder charges against the alleged driver.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced that Gabriel Esquivel, 24, of Oxnard, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, DUI causing injury, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher causing injury, and driving on a suspended or revoked license. Prosecutors also allege a special enhancement that he personally inflicted great bodily injury during the commission of a felony.
Ventura County District Attorney’s Office said the charges stem from a June 11 crash that occurred around 7:07 p.m. on Old Pacific Coast Highway north of Solimar Beach Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Investigators said Esquivel was driving a Nissan Titan northbound at an estimated 50 to 55 mph on Pacific Coast Highway. His vehicle veered right and struck three bicyclists traveling in a marked bike lane. After the impact, the pickup continued forward before hitting a guardrail and stopped on the shoulder.
Standish was pronounced dead at the scene. Tucker was transported to a hospital, where he later died. The third cyclist sustained what authorities described as minor to moderate injuries. The identity of that survivor has not been released.
Authorities said witnesses rushed to assist the victims before first responders arrived. Emergency personnel responded to the scene with ambulances and CHP units as traffic along the coastal roadway was temporarily impacted.
A local running club later identified Standish and Tucker as a couple. Tucker was from Ventura, while Standish was from Bend, Oregon, according to reporting by the Ventura County Star.
Esquivel is being held pending further court proceedings.
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