Loved ones gather to remember bicyclist, beloved pastor killed in Huntington Beach crash

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- There were tears and heartbreak as loved ones gathered to remember a bicyclist struck and killed on Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach.

Local pastor, 45-year-old Eric Williams, leaves behind a wife and four children.

That same faith in God that Eric Williams led his church with is what his family says they are now leaning on, not only to help them get through the tragedy, but also to forgive the woman who hit and killed him.

"I'm proud of my son for who he became. He's a wonderful kid, a wonderful boy, just a wonderful boy," said Ted Williams, Eric Williams' father.

Ted Williams choked back tears as he and his wife remembered their son fondly.

"Eric was, first of all, funny, and loving, and kind, and generous," his mother, Suzanne Williams, said.

Eric Williams, who founded and led Community Church of West Garden Grove, was hit and killed Monday morning in Huntington Beach while on a group bike ride.

"He died doing something he loved, riding," his father said.

SEE ALSO: Bicyclist killed in Huntington Beach crash identified as beloved pastor, father of 4

The bicyclist who was fatally struck on Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach has been identified as a beloved pastor and father of four.

A driver struck Eric Williams and two other cyclists as they rode in a bike lane near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Newland Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The two other cyclists were taken to the hospital with severe injuries -- including spinal fractures, broken ribs and a broken ankle.

Police identified the driver as 43-year-old Amber Kristine Calderon of Long Beach. She is now facing one felony count of hit-and-run causing permanent injury or death, and two felony counts of hit-and-run with injury.

"It's totally gut-wrenching, heart-wrenching, when a young man with a young family is just tragically taken, and we feel that rawness in us, but we have to -- we forgive that woman," said Alli Joy Vazquez, Eric Williams' sister.

A candlelight vigil was held Friday, filling Eastgate Park in Garden Grove with family, church members, cycling colleagues and the community -- all there to honor Pastor Williams.

"Tonight, we are mourning a great loss in our city, but I hope that by sharing in that grief, we can offer some small amount of comfort to the Williams family," a speaker said at the vigil.

"We've never experienced these emotions before. It's overwhelming, and it's horrible, but God's grace is with us," Vazquez said.

Toxicology results are still pending to determine if Calderon was driving under the influence.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help during this difficult time.