Tragedy Strikes Pepperdine University: Remembering the Lives Lost
In a devastating incident on Tuesday night, four students from Pepperdine University were tragically struck and killed by a 22-year-old driver on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu. The crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. near La Costa Beach, east of the Malibu Pier. Pepperdine University officials have since identified the victims as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams.
Niamh Rolston, a 20-year-old business major from Los Angeles, was the first victim to be identified by her family. She was set to graduate with the class of 2024, and her 21st birthday was just a month away. The loss of these young lives has left the Pepperdine community heartbroken and grieving.
University President Jim Gash expressed his condolences, 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.”
During a press conference held on Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department identified the driver as Fraser Michael Bohm. Bohm, 22, is now facing manslaughter charges. Although he had been released from custody pending further investigation, the incident has sent shockwaves through the community.
According to investigators, Bohm was driving his dark-colored BMW at a high speed when he lost control, side-swiped several parked vehicles, and tragically crashed into the group of young women walking along PCH. The four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while two other unidentified individuals were taken to a nearby hospital with unknown conditions.
Witnesses recall seeing Bohm emerge from his wrecked vehicle unharmed, only to be restrained by several people at the scene. Disturbingly, a long-term resident in the area revealed that this stretch of Pacific Coast Highway is notoriously referred to as “Dead Man’s Curve” due to the high number of accidents, most of which involve speeding drivers.
Bohm has been arrested on charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and a DUI investigation is still pending. The details surrounding this tragic incident continue to unfold as law enforcement agencies conduct their investigations.
Pepperdine University is diligently working on plans for a memorial service in honor of the lives lost, collaborating closely with the families of the students. Additionally, the university will hold a prayer service on Thursday at 10 a.m. to offer solace and support to the members of the Pepperdine community.
As we grapple with the immense sorrow caused by this unimaginable loss, let us come together, offering our thoughts, prayers, and support to the families, friends, and fellow students affected by this heartbreaking event. May the memories of Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams forever live on in our hearts, reminding us of the vibrant lives they led and the potential they had yet to fulfill.
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