Stefano Albano ID'd as Motorcyclist Killed in Laguna Beach DUI Crash on Canyon Road near Laguna College of Art and Design
Laguna Beach, California (August 8, 2021) – Authorities have identified the motorcyclist who died Saturday night in an alleged DUI crash in Laguna Beach as Stefano Albano, 55, of Corona.
The deadly crash occurred at around 10:15 p.m. Saturday, August 7, near the 2300 block of Laguna Canyon Road, just past Laguna College of Art and Design.
Authorities said Albano was riding his motorcycle on Laguna Canyon Road when he attempted to pass three vehicles in front of him. In the process, a car, driven by Becky Merrifield Ettinger, 68, of Huntington Beach, suddenly made a U-turn in front of him.
Albano's motorcycle ultimately collided with Ettinger's vehicle.
Motorcyclist Killed in Laguna Beach Crash Identified as Corona Resident
Albano was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities determined that Ettinger was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. She was eventually arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Laguna Canyon Road was closed while the investigation took place.
No other details regarding the crash were provided.
The accident remains under investigation.
The safe riding of a motorcycle can help reduce the number of motorcycle accidents that happen every day. Motorcyclists should be aware of the safety challenges that riders face while on California roadways and know how to respond to them. Such challenges include; Risky motorcycle riding practices like weaving at unsafe speeds, downshifting, reduced visibility by other road users, size of the motorcycle compared to other vehicles, among others.
Tips for Safe Riding of Motorcycles
- Ensure you are properly licensed before riding a motorcycle.
- Practice how to operate a motorcycle properly.
- Wear the proper protection.
- Ride responsibly.