Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus provides an update on the injured and the investigation. A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday night in Malibu, California, when a speeding BMW struck and killed four Pepperdine University seniors along the treacherous Pacific Coast Highway. The victims have been identified as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, all students at Seaver College School of the Arts. The Pepperdine community is devastated by the loss, and university president Jim Gash expressed his heartfelt condolences to the students’ loved ones.
According to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, the accident occurred at around 8:30 p.m. when 22-year-old Fraser Michael Bohm lost control of his BMW, swerved onto the shoulder, and collided with three parked vehicles, which then struck the four students. Tragically, the women were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other individuals were also injured in the incident.
Fraser Michael Bohm has been arrested on charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. He has been released pending the outcome of the investigation, and authorities are also conducting a DUI probe. Bohm sustained minor injuries in the collision.
The accident took place on a notorious stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway known as “Dead Man’s Curve” due to the high number of accidents that have occurred there. The collision happened approximately four miles north of the Pepperdine University campus.
Niamh Rolston, a business major set to graduate in 2024, and Asha Weir, an executive administrator of Alpha Phi pursuing a degree in English, were among the victims. Peyton Stewart, the vice president of finance at Alpha Phi, was also pursuing a business degree. Deslyn Williams, another victim of the crash, did not have her professional profile verified at the time of reporting.
The four students killed in the accident were sorority sisters, with three of them being roommates, as reported by the Santa Monica Observer. Alpha Phi, the sorority they belonged to, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Pepperdine University is grappling with the profound loss and finding solace in their faith during this difficult time. President Jim Gash emphasized the importance of holding onto faith in times of great loss.
As the investigation into the accident continues, the Pepperdine community and the loved ones of the victims mourn the tragic loss of these bright and promising young individuals.
