The Pepperdine University community in Malibu mourns as four students lost their lives in a tragic car accident on Tuesday night.
The incident occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway, leaving the campus community in shock and mourning the loss of these young lives, as per Fox11.
Malibu Car Crash Kills 4 Students
As the investigation continues, the circumstances surrounding the accident remain a mystery as the community reels from the loss of four promising young lives. The incident unfolded on a Tuesday night around 8:30 p.m. in the 21500 block of PCH when a devastating collision occurred.
Fraser Bohm, the 22-year-old driver, lost control of his vehicle, which struck at least three parked cars before plowing into a group of pedestrians, ultimately resulting in the tragic deaths of four female students. The authorities swiftly arrested Bohm on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, but he was later released from custody.
Sheriff's officials have emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing, leaving many questions unanswered. Pepperdine University, an institution celebrated for its picturesque campus nestled along the Malibu coastline, mourned the loss of Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, all of whom were seniors at the university's Seaver College of Liberal Arts.
Their untimely deaths have left a void in the hearts of the university's faculty, staff, and students. In a statement, Pepperdine University President Jim Gash expressed his sorrow, describing the students as those who "brought joy and light to our campus."
In the aftermath of the tragic accident, reports emerged of a fraternity party being held near the crash site. While it is unclear whether the victims were heading to the party, authorities disclosed that the four women were planning to "meet up with people."
Speculation regarding street racing as a possible cause of the crash arose, but Traffic Detective Roger Schultz stated that there was no evidence of another vehicle involved in a "speed contest," according to ABC7.
Speeding Woes on Pacific Coast Highway
The ongoing investigation will shed light on the true cause of this heart-wrenching incident. The Pacific Coast Highway, a road celebrated for its scenic beauty, has long been plagued by speeding issues. Malibu residents have reported a significant increase in reckless driving along this stretch of road, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joan Zoloth, a local resident, highlighted the persistent problem, saying, "Since COVID, there has been an increase of incredible racing up and down this highway, all night long."
The tragedy, while shocking, did not come as a complete surprise to the local community. The crash's aftermath was a scene of devastation. Multiple vehicles were severely damaged, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department reported that speed likely played a significant role in the accident.
The victims' families and the local community now demand answers and accountability for the tragic incident. As the investigation into this heartbreaking incident continues, the community, both near and far, grieves for the loss of these four young lives.
Pepperdine University has canceled classes in memory of the victims, organizing a prayer service to bring comfort and healing to those affected by the tragedy. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved safety measures and stricter enforcement of speed limits on the Pacific Coast Highway.
The lives of Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams serve as a poignant call to action, demanding that authorities take the necessary steps to prevent such devastating accidents in the future, Mail Online reported.
