safety
Driver charged in 'car surfing' crash that killed Huntington Beach surf star Kolby Aipa
By FOX 11 Digital Team at FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV)
· July 18, 2026
· 1 min read
Brandon Scott Soleau faces felony manslaughter charges a year after the fatal 50 mph "car surfing" e-bike crash of rising surf star Kolby Aipa in Huntington Beach.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The charges against Brandon Scott Soleau bring a measure of accountability to a tragic incident that has resonated deeply in the local community. Kolby Aipa's death was a shock to the tight-knit surf culture in Huntington Beach, where the young surfer had been making a name for himself. As the case moves forward, it will be worth watching how the city responds to prevent similar incidents in the future. The fact that the crash involved "car surfing" on an e-bike, a reckless and dangerous activity, raises questions about the need for increased education and enforcement efforts to prevent such behavior. The city's efforts to balance the popularity of e-bikes and other recreational activities with public safety concerns will be an important aspect of this case's aftermath.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV) . 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 FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Brandon Scott Soleau faces felony manslaughter charges a year after the fatal 50 mph "car surfing" e-bike crash of rising surf star Kolby Aipa in Huntington Beach.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by FOX 11 Digital Team at FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV). 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 .
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