Loved ones are mourning a Fawnskin father who was killed in a crash between his motorcycle and an SUV near Big Bear Lake earlier this week as details emerge about the collision, in which the other driver is accused of drunken driving.
William Brandt, 54, died shortly after the crash, which took place about 6 p.m. Monday near Bear Valley Dam, according to California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County coroner’s officials.
He was riding a 2016 Harley-Davidson motorcycle that collided with a a 2023 Volkswagen SUV at Highway 18 and Highway 38 , CHP officials said.
“For reasons still under investigation, the two vehicles collided in the intersection,” the CHP said in a written statement. “The crash caused [Brandt] to be ejected from the Harley-Davidson, and both vehicle became engulfed in flames.”
Despite wearing a helmet, Brandt suffered major injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he died a short time later, officials said.
The driver of the SUV, identified as 35-year-old Sabrina Kearns of San Diego, was treated for minor injuries and ultimately arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, according to the CHP and San Bernardino County booking records.
Kearns was released from custody pending legal proceedings the following day after posting bail, records show. An initial court date was not yet scheduled.
‘A devoted husband, a loving father’
Brandt is survived by a wife and two children, ages 15 and 18, Margina Reyes said in a statement accompanying an online fundraiser to aid the family.
“Our beloved Will Brandt was tragically taken from us by a drunk driver,” she said. ” Will was the heart and soul of our family—a devoted husband, a loving father to Derek and Lizzie, and a friend to so many.”
“His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and friends, always making sure everyone was safe, cared for, and surrounded by love,” according to Reyes. “Will’s compassion and humor touched everyone he met, and countless people have shared stories of how he was there for them in times of need. He truly had a heart of gold and was the glue that held our family together, including our extended family and friends.”
He loved to travel with family, she added.
“When he wasn’t exploring new places, he could be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes or tending to his garden,” Reyes said. “His adventurous spirit shone through in everything he did, especially in his lifelong passion for riding motorcycles. On the day of the accident, Will was doing two of the things he loved most—riding his Harley and caring for his family.”
Any witnesses, or anyone with information, can reach the CHP’s Arrowhead Area Office at (909) 867-2791.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Fawnskin man killed in Big Bear Lake motorcycle crash blamed on drunken driver mourned
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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