July 14, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Heartbreaking Crash on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu Leaves Community in Mourning

Tragedy Claims Lives of Four Pepperdine Seniors on PCH, Injures Two Others

By Dolores Quintana

On Tuesday, October 17, at 8:30 p.m., a deadly crash on Pacific Coast Highways took the lives of four Pepperdine seniors, Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, who were reportedly studying at the undergraduate campus, Seaver College. Pepperdine University confirmed their identities on Wednesday. Two other people were injured and taken to local hospitals, but nothing further is known about their conditions at this time. 

Instagram: Niamh Rolston

22-year-old suspect, Fraser Michael Bohm, was arrested at the scene and later released.  According to Los Angeles Sheriff Sgt. Maria Navarro, Bohm was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence after driving his dark-colored BMW at a high rate of speed, according to investigators as quoted by The Associated Press. 

Investigators also stated that they believe Bohm lost control of his car, which then hit three parked cars. The parked cars then hit a group of people walking or standing alongside PCH. The crash happened about four miles east of Pepperdine University’s campus in Malibu in an area that investigators said is known for being dangerous as it is called “Dead Man’s Curve,” as reported by Fox 11 News. The Lost Hills Sherriff’s Department issued an alert about the area between Carbon Canyon to Las Flores Canyon that night on their social media pages. 

Los Hills LA Sheriff’s Department Captain Jennifer Seetoo noted in the press conference that speeding is a problem along PCH and is highly dangerous since there are many pedestrians walking near the highway and parking their cars. LA County Fire Capt. Sheila Kelliher-Berkoh said, “It’s tough. Everybody picks up their speed… this is a very heavily populated pedestrian area, so it’s one of those scary things where it’s like ‘Hey people, slow down.”

Pepperdine’s president and CEO, Jim Gash, released a statement that says, “No day is more devastating to a tightly knit university community than the day that forces us to come together in grief and sorrow. Earlier today, we learned that four precious lives who brought joy and light to our campus were taken from us suddenly, tragically, and incomprehensibly. Indeed, one of the greatest mysteries of life is when and why our time on this earth is cut short. In such times, we hold firm to our faith in the God who sustains and nourishes us even when—and especially when—we experience life’s most significant losses.

As a parent, the loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy. No words can appropriately convey the depth of my sympathy to the families who are living through a reality no parent would ever want to endure. You are not alone. Pepperdine stands with you as you traverse these challenging waters.

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.

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.

When the weight of grief feels insurmountable, and we find ourselves walking in a dark valley, my hope is that we experience the comfort and presence of our God, who promises to walk with us and give us strength. As we walk this path together, I pray we gain strength and comfort from one another. In the embrace of our community, we also pray for the fortitude to navigate this painful journey, knowing that we are not alone. 

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. We will harness the strength found in the bonds of friendship and the community that unites us. And we will take comfort in the Lord, who provides us with the supernatural strength and peace required to carry on. I know that God holds Pepperdine in his healing and loving arms and protects our community as we grieve and honor these dear loved ones. With a heavy heart, Jim Gash.” 

Excessive speed on city streets and highways is a concerning issue locally, as the S.M.a.r.t architects have noted in one of their columns, The 30 MPH City, about speed limits in Santa Monica.

in News
<>Related Posts

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...