MALIBU—On October 17, at approximately 8:30 p.m., there was a fatal traffic accident in the 21600 block of Pacific coast Highway (PCH) near the campus of Pepperdine University. According to authorities, PCH was closed in both directions between Carbon Canyon Road and Las Flores Canyon Road. Law enforcement indicated the road may be closed for an extended period due to an ongoing investigation.

Four women were struck and killed by a male, driving a dark colored BMW at a high rate of speed, who was later identified as 22-year-old, Fraser Michael Bohm, who reportedly lost control of his vehicle. The BMW then reportedly crashed into cars along PCH striking and killing the students and injuring two others. He has since been arrested.

The initial information on the Pepperdine University website stated that there was reason to believe the four individuals killed, and two others who were injured were Seaver College students.

On October 19, Pepperdine University staff received official confirmation from authorities, the names of the Pepperdine students lost was officially announced.

Director and faculty advisor for journalist, journalism major and associate professor/researcher and literacy and news advocate, Dr. Elizabeth Smith posted the following message in the Pepperdine Graphic, entitled, “Their Light Will Shine On.”

“Pepperdine community members gathered Sunday, Oct. 22, at  to hold a memorial service in honor of four beloved young women: Niamh R0lston, Peyton Steward, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams.”

Williams was an Atlanta, Georgia native, and 2020 graduate of St. Pius X Catholic High School in northeast Atlanta.

The memorial service was held on October 22, at the Firestone Fieldhouse with lead minister of the University Church of Christ, Pastor Eric Wilson, Assistant Professor of Biology, Helen Holmlund, the divisional dean of Business Administration, Regan Harwell Schaffer, Religion Professor, Dyron Daugherty, the Associate Director for Spiritual Life, Tim Spivey, and Pepperdine President, Jim Gash. Members of the media were not to invited to attend in person but  welcomed to join the event via Zoom.

“We’re here to remember well the lives of who my wife affectionately calls, ‘Our Girls,’ Pastor Wilson stated.

Schaffer spoke to the parents of the departed saying, “Thank you for sharing your daughters with us.”

“As our community begins to navigate the profound grief and loss of yesterday’s tragic events, the Hub for Spiritual Life will provide the community opportunities for communal prayer and reflection. Stauffer Chapel will be open today, October 18, from noon to 8 PM and then after The Well. Stauffer Chapel will also be open tomorrow, October 19, from 10 AM to 1 PM, where the University Chaplain and Hub for Spiritual Life staff will be available to provide ministerial care to all who need spiritual support at this time. The Well, which will proceed as scheduled this evening at 8 PM at the Amphitheater, will hold a special night of prayer and worship. All are welcome to pray, reflect, mourn, and share fellowship with one another,” Pepperdine University stated on its website.