Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Four Pepperdine Students: Posthumous Degrees Offered
In a heartbreaking incident earlier this week, four students from Pepperdine University in Malibu lost their lives when they were struck by a speeding driver on the Pacific Coast Highway. Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, all seniors at Pepperdine’s Seaver College of Liberal Arts, were tragically killed in the accident. The Pepperdine community, in a display of compassion and support, has announced that the students will be eligible to receive posthumous degrees.
During a prayer service held on Thursday morning, Provost Jay Brewster made the announcement that the university has a policy in place to grant posthumous degrees to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic and social achievements. Brewster expressed his pleasure in stating that all four students qualify for this honor in the class of 2024. The attendees at the service responded with applause, recognizing the significance of this gesture.
The accident occurred on Tuesday evening when a speeding driver lost control of their dark grey BMW sedan, striking three parked vehicles and tragically hitting the four students who were standing on the side of the road. Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were hospitalized.
The driver, identified as 22-year-old Fraser Bohm, was arrested for vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. However, he was released the next day pending further investigation. The incident has left the community in shock and seeking answers.
Amidst the grief and sorrow, Pepperdine University has shown immense compassion by offering posthumous degrees to honor the academic achievements of these bright young individuals. The university understands the impact these students had on their peers and the community and wants to recognize their dedication and hard work.
As personal injury bloggers, we are deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, as well as the entire Pepperdine University community. Losing loved ones in such a sudden and senseless manner is devastating, and we hope that the families find solace in the support and love surrounding them.
This tragic incident also highlights the need for safety enhancements along the Pacific Coast Highway. The local residents and authorities in Malibu have long been advocating for measures to address the speeding and the high number of accidents on this stretch of road. The loss of these young lives serves as a painful reminder of the urgency to make improvements and ensure the safety of all who travel on the PCH.
We join the Malibu community in urging everyone to come together and work towards implementing safety enhancements. It is crucial that we prioritize the well-being and lives of individuals by creating safer road conditions. This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call, prompting action and change in order to prevent further loss of life.
As this story continues to unfold, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams. May their memories be cherished, and may their spirits continue to inspire and uplift those who knew them.