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4 Pepperdine Students Killed In PCH Crash. Women Were All Seniors
Pacific Coast Highway is a popular scenic route through Malibu and Southern California.
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Eric Demarcq
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LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
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Pepperdine University has identified the four women who were struck and killed by an out-of-control vehicle on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu Tuesday night.
In a statement from the university, the victims were identified as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams. They were all seniors at the university’s Seaver College of Liberal Arts.
What we know about the crash
The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on the popular scenic highway, not far from La Costa Beach. Authorities said the driver was heading westbound in a dark gray sedan when he lost control of his vehicle and swerved toward the shoulder of PCH.
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Debris is seen along the Pacific Coast Highway near where a crash killed four Pepperdine seniors.
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Ryan Sun
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AP
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A view along PCH near the crash site.
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Ryan Sun
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AP
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The sedan smashed into three parked cars, which then crashed into the women who had been standing on the side of the road about four miles from the university.
Pepperdine said it will share memorial service information for each student after working with their families to figure out the best way to honor them.
“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,” Pepperdine University President JimGash said in a message to the university. “I join you in your grief as we process this profound loss.”
Traffic Detective Roger Schultz said in a news conference Wednesday they believe the women were going to “meet up with people,” but didn’t provide specifics.
The driver, 22-year-old Fraser Bohm, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. He’s since been released, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.
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'We've got to do something different'
It’s unclear at this point if high-speed, drugs or alcohol were a factor. The sheriff’s department said the crash is still under investigation and information is limited.
Sheriff's Captain Jennifer Seetoo said far too many people have been killed on PCH, including two of her family friends. The sheriff’s department is working with local elected officials to make sure the public is aware of how dangerous the stretch of road can be, she added.
“It’s sad when I have to stand in front of you and say that some of them come to Malibu to enjoy the beautiful beaches, but never make it home,” she said. “We've got to do something different.”
Pacific Coast Highway was closed in both directions from Carbon Canyon Road to Las Flores Canyon Road overnight, but it reopened Wednesday morning.
Help offered to Pepperdine community
For students looking for a place to grieve, the campus’ Stauffer Chapel will be open Wednesday until 8 p.m. for spiritual support. There will also be “A Prayer Service for Our Grieving Community” on Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Firestone Fieldhouse, according to Pepperdine University.
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All Seaver College classes will be canceled from 10 a.m.- 11 a.m on Thursday so students can attend the service. If you’re not able to make it in person, you can join via Zoom here.
The university is also encouraging students to contact the Counseling Center for 24/7 support. Online and out-of-state students can access counseling through the “TimelyCare” app.
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