Four students killed after out-of-control BMW driver ploughs car into group
Four university students who were killed when they were hit by an out-of-control BMW driver as they walked along the road have been identified.
The four women were all seniors at Pepperdine University and were walking along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu on Tuesday night when they were struck by the car, according to police. The women died after the 22-year-old driver, identified as Fraser Michael Bohm, lost control of his BMW at around 8.30pm on the notoriously treacherous stretch of the highway, known locally as 'Dead Man's Curve'.
School officials identified the four students as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams on Wednesday. In a statement to the school community, Pepperdine President Jim Gash said: "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."
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Peyton Stewart volunteered at a home for the elderly and had just completed an internship (LinkedIn / Peyton Stewart)
Deslyn Williams' employer paid tribute to the student on Facebook (Instagram / @deslyn.williams)Family members identified Niamh earlier as a 20-year-old business major who was due to celebrate her 21st birthday in November. She was due to graduate in 2024.
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Officials have said there was a Pepperdine fraternity party being held in the area. According to one official, the victims had been planning to meet up with others at the time of the tragic crash.
According to her LinkedIn page, Niamh also worked as a cheer and gymnastics coach while Asha was a writing tutor at the school in her spare time. Peyton volunteered at a home for the elderly and recently completed an internship at TikTok.
Niamh Rolston was a 20-year-old business major who was due to celebrate her 21st birthday in November (facebook)Deslyn's employer paid tribute to the young woman in a heartbreaking Facebook post. They wrote: "When you get the saddest news - 21 miles of devastation - a road full of heart break."
Bohm was driving at speed westbound on the highway in his dark-coloured BMW when he lost control. He smashed into several parked cars before crashing into the group of young women who were walking in the area, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.
The crash happened on a stretch of highway known as 'Dead Man's Curve' (AP)Witnesses shared that Bohm got out of the vehicle unharmed after the crash and was tackled to the ground by several people. The four women were declared dead at the scene while two others were taken to local hospitals in unknown conditions.
The local fire captain described the crash as "horrible", adding: "unfortunately, we have four DOA's, we have four victims that did not survive. The sheriff is out here and they're going to have a massive investigation to find out what caused this. It's a tough scene right now."
Bohm was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said a DUI investigation is still pending.
The crash happened on the Pacific Coast Highway near the Pepperdine University campus (AP)However, Bohm was later released from custody due to a lack of evidence. The crash happened just four miles from Pepperdine's picturesque campus on the coast. A prayer service has been scheduled for Pepperdine community members for Thursday, according to the university.
Additional plans are in the works to hold a memorial service for each student. President Gash said: "In the days ahead, we will come together in meaningful ways to honour and celebrate the lives of the remarkable individuals lost to this unthinkable tragedy."
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