Bend woman killed in suspected DUI crash while cycling in California

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Two bicyclists were killed and a third was injured in a suspected DUI crash on June 11 on the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County, California. A 24-year-old man from Oxnard was arrested in connection with the incident.

Kellie Standish, 33, of Bend, Oregon, and William Tucker, 39, of Ventura, California, died from their injuries, according to confirmed reports from Ventura County Medical Examiners to KTVZ News. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and murder after his gray Nissan Frontier pickup truck veered into a designated bike lane and struck the cyclists from behind.

The California Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred around 7:08 p.m. along northbound State Route 1 near Solimar Beach Road. The truck was traveling about 50 to 55 miles per hour when it drifted onto the right shoulder and into the bike lane, for reasons still under investigation.

After striking the cyclists, the truck continued forward, hitting a guardrail and coming to rest on the shoulder. A third cyclist involved in the incident suffered minor injuries.

Kellie Standish was an employee of Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS). In a statement on Facebook, OAS said, “Our hearts are shattered and we are grieving as a community while reflecting on the warmth, light, and embodiment of OAS magic that Kellie brought to all of us since first joining OAS as a volunteer over a decade ago. Kellie changed countless lives, and wore many hats at OAS, her impact is far-reaching and everlasting.”

One person who spoke to KTVZ News described Standish as “amazing person. She was funny, smart and beautiful. Her family said she radiated sunshine and was glitter in human form. It’s a spot-on description.” Plans are underway for a celebration of life for Standish.