Four college seniors identified as victims killed in ‘Dead Man’s Curve’ crash | US News
The four people killed after a driver lost control on a ‘Dead Man’s Curve’ in California were identified as students at Pepperdine University.
The deadly crash took place around 8.30pm on Tuesday night on a scenic stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
Four people, identified by authorities as adult women, were killed instantly when a speeding car lost control and collided with other vehicles.
Officials at Pepperdine University confirmed all four victims were students at the college.
‘Earlier today, we learned that four precious lives who brought joy and light to our campus were taken from us suddenly, tragically, and incomprehensibly,’ said Pepperdine President Jim Gash in a letter written to students.
The victims were identified as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams. All four women were seniors at the Seaver College of Liberal Arts.
‘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 said. ‘I join you in your grief as we process this profound loss.’
The driver was identified as Fraser Michael Bohm, 22, who was released while an investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Bohm was driving westbound in a gray BMW in Malibu when he ‘lost control of his vehicle, and swerved towards the should of the north side of Pacific Coast Highway,’ said Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Captain Jennifer Seetoo.
The 22-year-old was driving at a ‘high rate of speed’ on the roadway, which only has a speed limit of 45 miles per hour around what locals call the ‘Dead Man’s Curve.’
‘This caused the suspect’s vehicle to collide into three parked vehicles,’ Seetoo said. ‘Subsequently, those vehicles hit four female adults standing on the side of the roadway.’
All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Two more people were hospitalized after the crash, but authorities have not commented on their condition.
Bohm was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. He spent about five hours in jail before being released pending an investigation.
LASD Detective Roger Shalkx said that no other vehicle was seen in the area, and Bohm had no passengers in his car.
Bohm also reportedly passed a field sobriety test at the scene.
Meanwhile, local residents and city officials have since come together to demand action on the curve.
‘We’ve got to work together as a community,’ Captain Seetoo said. ‘There’s too many people that have been killed on this stretch of highway.’
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