A firefighter from SoCal dies after being hit by an impaired driving suspect while he was cycling

COSTA MESA, Calif. – A fire captain in Costa Mesa, who was hit and seriously injured in an accident involving a driver suspected of impaired driving, died this weekend, officials said Monday.

Costa Mesa fire and rescue announced the death of Captain Mike Kreza on Twitter.

A photo of Captain Mike Kreza and his family was posted on Twitter by the Costa Mesa Fire Department.

"Our brother, Mike Kreza, died early this morning, words alone can not describe the immeasurable grief of love felt by his friends and family, including his family of fire." No further information will be provided. for the moment Mike, brother of RIP, we love you! "

The accident occurred Saturday morning at Alicia Parkway, near Via Burgos, according to a statement declaration Fire Department and Orange County Sheriff's Department.

According to witnesses, the driver of a van hit Kreza, who was training for a triathlon, while he was heading east on Alicia Parkway, reported KTLA. The captain, an 18-year veteran of Costa Mesa's fire and rescue service, was on leave at the time. According to the Costa Mesa Fire Fighters Association, he was training for a triathlon event in Arizona.

The sheriff's department said it had reacted shortly after 8 am and found the victim on the floor inactive, traumatized to the head and body. L & # 39; O.C. The fire authorities took him to a local hospital.

The motorist stayed on the scene, where a member of Parliament evaluated it for DUI. The driver, identified as Stephen Taylor Scarpa, 25, appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the accident, authorities said. Officials also reported finding several prescription drugs inside his vehicle.

Scarpa was jailed on a $ 100,000 bail.

Sheriff's Department Delegates held a candlelight vigil for Kreza on Saturday night.

According to Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue, the captain was surrounded by family and friends throughout the weekend as he was listed in critical condition.

"We are eternally grateful for the support of our brothers and sisters from fire departments, law enforcement and community collectives from all over the state," said the agency.

A GoFundMe page has been created for Kreza and his family. He raised nearly $ 75,000 Monday morning.

FOX 5 reporting partner, KTLA, contributed to this story.