Vietnam veteran dies following collision with teenage e-motorcycle rider

A California mother has seen her charges upgraded to involuntary manslaughter following a fatal e-motorcycle collision involving her teenage son.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced the decision on Friday, after 81-year-old Ed Ashman succumbed to his injuries.

The incident occurred on 16 April near El Toro High School in Lake Forest, where Mejer’s 14-year-old son was allegedly performing stunts on a Surron e-motorcycle.

The vehicle struck Mr Ashman, a respected Vietnam veteran and local substitute teacher, who tragically died on Thursday, 30 April.

District Attorney Todd Spitzer stated that Tommi Jo Mejer essentially handed her son a "deadly weapon" despite receiving explicit warnings from law enforcement in June 2025.

During that previous encounter, deputies reportedly informed Mejer that her son was legally ineligible to operate the Class 3 vehicle, which requires a minimum age of 16.

Furthermore, prosecutors allege that Mejer initially provided false information to investigators, denying that her son had access to the motorcycle.

"If parents aren't going to hold their children accountable, then I am going to hold parents accountable," Mr Spitzer remarked in a stern news release.

The community has rallied to support the family of Mr Ashman, a father of three and grandfather known for his dedication to mentoring students.

A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with medical and funeral costs for the man described as an "American hero".

Mejer now faces a maximum sentence of seven years and eight months in state prison if convicted on all counts, which include child endangerment and accessory after the fact.