A California firefighter dies after being hit by a DUI driver suspect while riding his bike, officials say



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A beloved Californian fire captain, hit Saturday morning by a driver suspected of drunken driving, died Monday, officials said.

Costa Mesa fire captain Mike Kreza was off on a bicycle ride on Alicia Parkway near Via Burgos shortly after Saturday when Stephen Taylor Scarpa crushed his van against the 18-year-old veteran. police I said.

Kreza leaves behind a woman and three girls. A GoFundMe page was created on Saturday to support the Kreza family. More than $ 75,000 had been raised Monday morning.

Scarpa appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the accident, according to authorities. The 25-year-old remained on the scene after the collision, officials said adding that several prescription drugs had been found in the vehicle. He was arrested and charged with drunken driving, although other charges could be added. He is held on bail of $ 100,000.

Kreza was found unresponsive and was rushed to the hospital, where he was surrounded by his friends, family and firefighters.

"Our brother Mike Kreza passed away early this morning. The words alone can not describe the immeasurable grief of love felt by his friends and family, including his family of firefighters, "wrote Costa Mesa's fire department on Twitter. "No additional information will be provided at this time. RIP brother Mike, we love you! "

Kreza, who was on leave, was training for Ironman Arizona, a triathlon held on Nov. 18, when he was mortally wounded, wrote on Facebook the Costa Mesa Fire Fighters' Association. Firefighters shared a photo of Kreza with his wife and three girls.

"Our entire family Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue is extremely saddened by the news that one of ours has been involved in an accident this morning," Chief Dan Stefano said in a statement on Saturday.

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