In a tragic incident that unfolded on Tuesday evening in Malibu, California, four students from Pepperdine University lost their lives when a BMW, reportedly out of control, plowed into them.
The fatal accident occurred on a perilous stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), notorious for its high incidence of vehicular mishaps.
The driver, identified as Fraser Michael Bohm, was reportedly speeding in his dark-colored BMW in the westbound lane of the PCH when he lost control of the vehicle. The car crashed into several parked vehicles before hitting the four students. The victims, all seniors at Pepperdine University, were pronounced dead at the scene, approximately four miles north of the campus.
In addition to the fatalities, two other individuals were injured in the crash and subsequently transported to local hospitals. Their current conditions remain undisclosed.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing Bohm exit his wrecked vehicle, only to be apprehended by bystanders. Sheriffs Captain Jennifer Seetoo confirmed in a Wednesday morning news conference that Bohm sustained minor injuries in the incident.
The 22-year-old driver now faces charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has also initiated a DUI investigation in connection with the incident.
The victims of this devastating accident have been identified as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams. Their untimely deaths have sent shockwaves through the Pepperdine University community.
In a heartfelt statement, Pepperdine University President Jim Gash expressed his deep sorrow, saying, "To the students who loved, lived with, and were in community with the departed members of our Pepperdine family, my heart is broken with yours. I join you in your grief as we process this profound loss."
Gash further offered words of comfort and solidarity, stating, "As we walk this path together, I pray we gain strength and comfort from one another. In the embrace of our community, we also pray for the fortitude to navigate this painful journey knowing that we are not alone."
Echoing Gash's sentiments, Connie Horton, vice president for student affairs at the private Christian university, said, "Each departed student brought a unique gift and spirit to the University, and we deeply grieve the unfulfilled hopes and aspirations of our precious community members."
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the university held a prayer service on Thursday morning.
The stretch of the PCH where the accident occurred is ominously known as "Dead Mans Curve" due to its high number of car accidents. A local resident told KTLA, "Every six months theres another accident. There was one three months ago, there was one four months ago, and they are all within these five to six houses."
In response to the recurring accidents, Captain Seetoo stated, "There are too many people on this stretch of highway that have been killed. We are working with the community to make sure that people are educated about the dangers of PCH, and to slow down." She also revealed that the department is contemplating the installation of speed cameras to deter speeding by drivers.
Login