LAKE FOREST, CA — An 81-year-old Vietnam War veteran and Orange County teacher who was hit by a teen on an electric motorcycle has died.
Ed Ashman, who taught at El Toro High School, was in critical condition following the crash on Thursday, April 16, according to a GoFundMe page created for his family.
"It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Ed Ashman's passing," GoFundMe organizer Joyanne Goodfellow wrote. "I want to extend a sincere thank-you to everyone who has donated. Your generosity is going to be a massive help in ensuring Ed is honored properly and that his final expenses are taken care of."
RELATED: Teen, 14, On E-Motorcycle Hits Man, 81, And Flees Scene In Orange County: OCSD
Ashman was walking home from school when he was hit near Toledo Way and Ridge Route Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
Police said the boy struck him while riding what was originally reported as an e-bike but later found to be an off-highway motorcycle — a vehicle prohibited on public roadways in the United States.
The teen fled the scene but was later identified and arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run causing injury and reckless driving resulting in injury, deputies said.
The boy's mother, 50-year-old Tommi Jo Mejer of Aliso Viejo, was charged with felony child endangerment and felony accessory after the fact, along with several misdemeanor counts, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
RELATED: OC Mom Of Boy, 14, Who Critically Injured Vietnam Vet In E-Moto Hit And Run Charged: DA
According to prosecutors, Mejer had been previously warned about allowing her son to ride the e-motorcycle illegally. During a June 2025 interaction with sheriff's deputies, she admitted she purchased the vehicle and knew her son rode it recklessly, prosecutors said.
The e-motorcycle, a Surron Ultra Bee, was described by investigators as being far more powerful than a typical e-bike.
It is classified as a motorcycle under California law and can reach speeds of up to 58 miles per hour. A valid motorcycle license, registration, insurance and proper safety equipment are required to legally drive it on public roads.
Prosecutors said after the crash, Mejer gave false information to Orange County Sheriff's deputies and claimed neither she nor her son owned the vehicle.
Mejer was booked into custody on April 21 and later released the following day, jail records show.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Lake Forest, CA Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.