While catching up with friends on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, California, four Pepperdine University seniors died.
Capt. Jennifer Seetoo of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated during a press conference that the event took place on the 21600 block of the freeway at about 8:30 p.m. Fraser Michael Bohm, 22, allegedly “lost control of his vehicle” and “swerved toward the shoulder” of the north side of the roadway, according to Seetoo.
His vehicle struck three parked automobiles, hitting them in turn, which then struck the four students who were standing next to the cars on the side of the road. The kids, who had gone to the location to meet up with others, were reportedly declared dead at the scene.
Bohm was detained on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence after the incident left him with only minor injuries. He was released pending the additional crash investigation.
According to Seetoo, according to NBC News, “speed is by far the leading cause of collisions on PCH.” “It is a town — it is a college town.”
She said, according to KTLA, “Too many people have been killed on this stretch of highway.” “We are working with the community,” she continued, “to ensure that people are informed about the risks associated with PCH and to slow down.”
Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams were identified as the four female students who perished in a news release from Pepperdine University, which is four miles to the north of the crash scene.
In a letter to the Pepperdine community, University President Jim Gash wrote, “To the students who loved, lived alongside, and were in the community alongside the departed members of our Pepperdine family, my heart is broken with yours.” “I share your sorrow as we process this great loss,” she said.
The University said that it will host a prayer service for the Pepperdine community on Thursday at 10 a.m. in memory of the four students.
Connie Horton, vice president for student affairs, stated, “In this time of unfathomable sadness and heartache, we stand together as a community and turn to our religion and each other to find hope and healing in the middle of this tragedy.
“Each departed student offered a unique gift and spirit to the University, so we deeply grieve the unrealized hopes and aspirations of these precious community members,” she added.