4 Pepperdine students on foot struck, killed
A 22-year-old man suspected of causing a fatal crash on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu that killed four Pepperdine University students was released from custody Wednesday while the investigation continued.
Fraser Michael Bohm of Malibu was taken into custody after the crash that occurred about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 21600 block of Pacific Coast Highway, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He was booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, with jail records showing he was released from custody about 7:20 a.m. Wednesday.
Pepperdine University officials confirmed Wednesday that all four women who died were students at the university's Seaver College of Liberal Arts. The university identified them as seniors Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams. Their exact ages were not immediately available, but the county Department of Medical Examiner stated earlier that all were in their 20s.
Bohm was driving a dark gray, four-door sedan west on PCH when he lost control and swerved onto the north shoulder and collided with three parked vehicles, sheriff's Capt. Jennifer Seetoo said.
“Subsequently, those vehicles hit four female adults standing on the side of the roadway near the parked vehicles,” Seetoo said. “The four females were pronounced dead at the scene.”
Bohm, who suffered minor scratches and bruises in the crash, was taken into custody at the scene, sheriff's officials said.
Investigators said they were still working to determine if Bohm was impaired, but there was no indication that the suspect was involved in any type of street race.
Multiple cars were heavily damaged, including one that flipped onto its side.
In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Pepperdine University President Jim Gash sent a message to the campus community.
“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,” Gash wrote. “I join you in your grief as we process this profound loss. To the faculty and staff members who mentored and loved these students throughout their academic journeys both inside and outside the classroom, I offer prayers of comfort, support and gratitude.
“In the days ahead, we will come together in meaningful ways to honor and celebrate the lives of the remarkable individuals lost to this unthinkable tragedy,” he said. “We will harness the strength found in the bonds of friendship and the community that unites us.”
University officials said the campus is offering “spiritual and emotional support, including from the counseling center, from the pastoral care team, and the student care team.”
KNX News Radio reported from the scene Wednesday morning that there may have been a Pepperdine fraternity party in the area Tuesday night.
Seetoo made an impassioned plea to the public to slow down while driving on PCH, saying the street is the scene of too many horrific crashes that have claimed lives in the past. She said the department is working with elected officials “to make sure people are educated about the dangers of PCH, to slow down on PCH.”
She also called for stepped-up enforcement efforts, including the use of speed cameras.
“We've got to change with the times,” the captain said. “The technology is an option. These speed cameras are going to be in six cities in 2024,” she said, referring to state legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that created a pilot project installing speed cameras in cities including Los Angeles, Glendale and Long Beach.
“We've got to keep our eyes on this technology, because I believe it will save lives,” Seetoo said.
Investigators asked that anyone with information on the crash to call them at 818-878-1808.