Man Pleads Guilty to Hit-and-Run in Oceanside Cyclist’s Death

A Riverside man pleaded guilty this week to fatally striking a bicyclist in Oceanside on St. Patrick’s Day, then fleeing the scene.

Christian Joshua Howard, 26, pleaded guilty Thursday to a felony count of hit-and-run causing death and a misdemeanor count of destroying or concealing evidence in connection with the March 17 crash that killed 51-year-old Tracey Gross, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.

Gross was riding her bicycle in the area of State Route 76 and Singh Way around 11:30 p.m. on March 17 when she was struck. Police said the suspect drove off after hitting Gross and dragged her bicycle about two miles down the road.

Gross died at a hospital the next day.

Howard was arrested on May 3 at his workplace in Corona in connection with the fatality, according to Oceanside police, who did not reveal how he was identified as a suspect.

He is slated to be sentenced in September.

A GoFundMe page created by Gross’ family states she was a postal carrier, mother of two, and ” a vibrant soul who touched the lives of many.”

The page states, “She was struck by a car that callously fled the scene, leaving her critically injured and ultimately declared brain dead. Despite the heroic efforts of medical professionals, Tracey’s injuries were too severe to overcome. As an organ donor, Tracey’s legacy lives on through the selfless act of giving the gift of life to others in need.”

— City News Service