MALIBU, CALIFORNIA: A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday night in Malibu, California, as a speeding BMW claimed the lives of four Pepperdine University seniors who were strolling along the perilous stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway.
The victims have been identified as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, all of whom were students at Pepperdine's Seaver College School of the Arts, as per CBS News.
Pepperdine University mourns the loss of its students
Pepperdine University, deeply shaken by the heart-wrenching incident, is mourning the loss of these promising young lives.
Pepperdine's president, Jim Gash, expressed his sorrow in a statement, saying, "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."
Horrific tragedy on the Pacific Coast highway
The devastating incident occurred at 8:30 pm when 22-year-old Fraser Michael Bohm, behind the wheel of a dark-colored BMW, lost control of his vehicle on the Pacific Coast Highway.
According to officials from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, Bohm swerved onto the shoulder, striking three parked vehicles, which then collided with the four young students. The impact was fatal, and the four women lost their lives at the scene.
Bohm now faces charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and is currently out on bail as the investigation unfolds. Authorities are also conducting a DUI probe, considering the circumstances of the incident. Bohm sustained minor injuries in the collision.
Peyton Stewart was a business major with aspirations in the field of finance
Peyton Stewart, one of the victims, was not only a dedicated student at Pepperdine but also a business major with aspirations in the field of finance. In a February interview with the Pepperdine University Graphic, she shared her interests in following fashion and exercise trends on social media, highlighting the importance of skincare as a relaxation ritual.
Peyton's friends and peers remember her fondly, with Rianna Dizon, a fellow Pepperdine classmate, expressing her grief on Instagram, saying, "I’ll never forget your smile and your sweet hugs whenever I saw you."
According to NBC News, Barry Stewart, Peyton's father, shared cherished memories of his daughter, recalling her as a 'go-getter' who loved traveling and had an exquisite taste for food. He fondly remembered Peyton's childhood obsession with sushi and her unwavering commitment to her career and social life.
According to him, she maintained good friendships and habits throughout her life and stayed clear of trouble.
Peyton's journey was a remarkable one, marked by numerous accomplishments, including her acceptance into Pepperdine, where she pursued her dream education, and securing multiple internships, one of which involved working with TikTok in Austin, Texas.
Not only was Peyton an achiever in her professional life, but she also shared a close bond with her younger sister, Kathleen. The Stewart family had the privilege of traveling to various destinations worldwide, including Spain, Greece, and France. Peyton also seized the opportunity to study in London as a sophomore in Pepperdine's program.
Peyton Stewart's father expresses faith in justice system
Despite the unimaginable loss, Barry has faith in the justice system and hasn't given much thought to the driver responsible for his daughter's tragic death.
He expressed uncertainty about attending the suspect's court hearings, saying, "I’m not sure that me thinking about that person is going to change the situation. I don’t have any plans to go sit in a courtroom. … I put my faith in the justice system, and I hope my faith is well-placed."
As he navigates through the grief of losing his daughter, Barry and his family, along with Peyton's friends, share a deep sense of loss and a profound feeling of missing her presence. Peyton's bright future was cut short, leaving behind a void that words can scarcely fill.
