safety
21-year-old charged with vehicular manslaughter in OC 'car-surfing' crash that killed beloved surfer
By KABC at ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC)
· July 19, 2026
· 1 min read
A 21-year-old from Huntington Beach has been charged with vehicular manslaughter after his friend was killed while car surfing on Pacific Coast Highway last summer.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The charging of a 21-year-old with vehicular manslaughter in the car-surfing crash that killed a beloved surfer has significant implications for road safety in Los Angeles County. This incident, which occurred on Pacific Coast Highway, underscores the need for continued education and awareness about the dangers of reckless behavior on public roads. As a community that values its outdoor recreational opportunities, Los Angeles must balance the thrill-seeking nature of its residents with the imperative to protect human life. The fact that the incident involved car surfing, a stunt that is both illegal and extremely dangerous, raises questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures and the role of law enforcement in preventing such tragedies. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by local residents and safety advocates, who will be looking for a strong message to be sent about the consequences of reckless driving and the importance of prioritizing safety on Los Angeles County roads.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The Los Angeles stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A 21-year-old from Huntington Beach has been charged with vehicular manslaughter after his friend was killed while car surfing on Pacific Coast Highway last summer.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KABC at ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter