LAKE FOREST, Calif. — A mother faces involuntary manslaughter charges following the death of an 81-year-old man hit by an electric motorcycle driven by her son.
Ed Ashman, a Vietnam War veteran and respected substitute teacher, died on April 30, two weeks after the incident occurred while he was walking home from El Toro High School. Authorities report that Ashman was struck by a Surron e-motorcycle being operated by Mejer’s 14-year-old son.
According to prosecutors, Tommi Jo Mejer, 50, allowed her son to ride the unlicensed e-motorcycle despite prior warnings about its legality and safety. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer called the incident tragic, noting the child was given a “deadly weapon” and that multiple warnings had been ignored.
The crash took place on April 16, with investigators stating that the boy was reportedly performing stunts when he collided with Ashman.
Mejer has been charged with several offenses, including child endangerment and providing false information to police. Despite the law allowing certain e-bikes for children, the modified electric motorcycle her son was riding requires a motorcycle license, insurance, and registration.
Sheriff’s deputies had reportedly warned Mejer in June 2022 about the risks and legal ramifications of allowing her son to ride the e-motorcycle. She is the third parent in Orange County this year to face charges related to illegal e-motorcycle use by minors.
A GoFundMe has been established to assist Ashman’s family.