Big Bear Boulevard Collision Claims Life of Fawnskin Resident
BIG BEAR LAKE, CA, (August 18, 2025) - A crash between a motorcycle and an SUV Monday afternoon along Big Bear Boulevard left one person dead and another facing arrest for suspected DUI, according to authorities.
A suspected drunk driver in an SUV collided with a motorcycle Monday afternoon at Big Bear Lake, killing 54-year-old Fawnskin resident William Brandt.
San Bernardino County coroner officials identified the deceased as 54-year-old William Brandt of Fawnskin. The California Highway Patrol reported that Brandt was riding a Harley-Davidson near the Rim of the World Scenic Byway and Bear Valley Dam around 6 p.m. when his motorcycle collided with a small SUV. He later died from his injuries at a hospital.
The SUV driver was arrested shortly after the crash. Authorities said further details are not immediately available, and the investigation is ongoing.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Impaired drivers, with delayed reflexes and poor judgment, are far more likely to cause deadly crashes. These entirely preventable tragedies continue to shatter lives and families across the country. On average over the 10-year period from 2014-2023, about 11,000 people died every year in drunk-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
“Motorcyclists are arguably the most vulnerable motorists on the road,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
Bond, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation into the crash conducted by a seasoned lawyer to protect the rights of the victim's family.
“Blind spots, inexperienced drivers, and distracted motorists often cause these types of collisions. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time while ensuring that a driver is held accountable if they do not obey traffic laws.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the family of William Brandt may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims can seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma following a catastrophic accident.
“The stress and grief after losing a loved one in an accident can be overwhelming,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“We understand what families endure, and protecting their rights is essential. A wrongful death attorney will monitor the official investigation and ensure that the family’s legal rights and best interests are safeguarded.”
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).