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Insets: Ed Ashman (GoFundMe). Background: The California high school where Ed Ashman worked as a substitute teacher and was walking home from when he was mowed down and killed (KTTV/YouTube).
In a distressing incident in California, an 81-year-old substitute teacher and Vietnam War veteran, Ed Ashman, was critically injured after being struck by an e-bike ridden by a teenager who subsequently fled the scene. The incident, which has left a community in shock, unfolded while Ashman was making his way home from El Toro High School in Lake Forest, where he regularly teaches.
The 14-year-old suspect allegedly collided with Ashman using an electric motorcycle as the elderly educator attempted to cross a street. The crash occurred on a Thursday afternoon, and police were alerted to the scene around 4 p.m. Authorities found Ashman lying critically injured on the side of the road near the intersection of Toledo Way and Ridge Route Drive.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department detailed the situation in a Facebook post, noting, “When the deputies arrived, they located an 81-year-old victim with life-threatening injuries.” They also clarified that the vehicle involved was an electric motorcycle intended for off-highway use. The teenager, suspected of reckless driving, had already fled the area by the time officers arrived.
Ashman, who bravely served as a U.S. Airman during the Vietnam War, was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Witnesses at the scene provided a description of the adolescent rider, aiding the police in their investigation of this reckless act that has left a cherished community member fighting for his life.
Ashman was transported to a local hospital and was listed in critical condition, according to police. Witnesses provided a description of the teen who allegedly struck him with the e-bike, who was “suspected of driving recklessly at the time of the crash,” per cops.
“The suspect was quickly identified, and a search warrant was served at a nearby residence in the city of Lake Forest,” the sheriff’s department says. “A 14-year-old male was subsequently arrested and booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall for charges related to the incident.”
Police officials told local Fox affiliate KTTV that hit-and-run charges are expected to be filed against the teen, along with reckless driving.
“It’s kind of sad that [Ashman] has to get injured this way from a stupid kid on a bike,” an El Toro High School student told KTTV.
Police officials say the teen was suspected of riding an electric motorcycle with a 750-watt battery or more, allowing him to travel at speeds of 28 mph or more.
A GoFundMe launched for Ashman’s family describes him as a “proud grandfather” who is “fighting through a series of severe injuries.” The description says he was “walking home from El Toro High School,” where he was a “beloved substitute teacher,” when the crash unfolded.
“Our community was shaken this week by a tragic accident,” the GoFundMe says. “Ed is in extremely difficult physical shape. The road to recovery will be incredibly long.”