On the night of October 17, 2023, an incident occurred on Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway resulting in the death of four senior students from Pepperdine University.

Around 8:30 pm, 22-year-old Fraser Michael Bohm lost control of his vehicle near a section of the highway known as “Dead Man’s Curve.” As a result, Bohm’s BMW hit multiple parked vehicles before colliding with students walking along the highway.

The university identified the deceased as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams. All of them were declared dead at the location of the accident. In addition to these deaths, two others suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital. The status of their health remains undisclosed.

Witnesses reported chaos in the aftermath of the crash. Bohm, who was not injured, was detained by bystanders until police arrived at the scene.

Authorities arrested Bohm on charges of vehicular manslaughter due to gross negligence. However, he was subsequently released because of a lack of evidence to support the charges.

The investigation is currently focusing on the potential factors that might have contributed to the accident, such as excessive speeding or potential distractions like mobile phone usage. Initial reports have ruled out the involvement of alcohol or drugs.

The incident has deeply affected the Pepperdine University community. Jim Gash, the university’s president, extended his condolences and mentioned, “I stand with the students in mourning the loss of their peers.”

A prayer service took place on the subsequent Thursday at 10 a.m. to comfort affected students and staff. Further, there are plans in place to hold memorial services for each of the students who passed away in the incident. President Gash stated that the community would come together in the coming days to honor and remember the lives lost.