Preliminary Hearing Set in Cyclist Fatality

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for a cyclist fatality that occurred back in February, according to the Orange County district attorney's office.

, 22, of Newport Coast, appeared in court Friday for a pretrial hearing and was scheduled to return for her preliminary hearing Sept. 22 at 8:30 a.m. at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach, according to district attorney spokesperson Farrah Emami. Miller pleaded not guilty in April to one felony count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated. 

Authorities say Miller was texting on her cell phone at the time of the Feb. 21 accident that killed 44-year-old , also of Newport Coast, who was riding his bike on San Joaquin Hills Road near Spy Glass Hill Road. Miller is accused of driving her 2008 Volkswagen Jetta east on San Joaquin Hills Road, being distracted from repeatedly text-messaging on her cell phone, driving into the bicycle lane and striking Britel from behind. 

According to the district attorney's office, before the crash Miller drank alcohol at her place of employment, Zinc Cafe. Following the accident, authorities say, Miller showed signs of intoxication, such as bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and odor of alcohol. Nearly two hours after the crash, the D.A.'s office says, Miller had a blood alcohol level of .10. The legal limit for drivers in California is .08. 

Britel was a triathlete and local businessman. He enjoyed riding his bike along the hills of Newport Coast, running the sands of Crystal Cove and swimming in the ocean off Corona del Mar. A white bicycle now marks the accident scene where Britel died from injuries he sustained during the collision. It serves as a memorial to Britel and a reminder to motorists to be aware of the many cyclists who use the street.

Miller remains free on $100,000 bail. If convicted, she would face up to 10 years in prison.