4 Pepperdine University students killed after out-of-control BMW mowed them down, driver arrested

Four Pepperdine University students were mowed down and killed by an out-of-control BMW driver on Tuesday in Malibu, California.

Around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Fraser Michael Bohm lost control of his BMW while driving on a notoriously dangerous section of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Investigators said Bohm was speeding in his dark-colored BMW in the westbound lane of the PCH when he lost control of his vehicle. The BMW slammed into several parked cars, as well as the four Pepperdine University students.

The four young women were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash — which was about four miles north of the Pepperdine campus.

Two others were injured in the car crash and taken to local hospitals, but their conditions have not been revealed.

Witnesses said they saw the driver get out of his wrecked car, and he was tackled to the ground by several people.

Sheriff’s Captain Jennifer Seetoo said at a news conference on Wednesday morning that Bohm has minor injuries.

The 22-year-old Bohm was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said a DUI investigation has been launched.

The victims of the tragic car accident have been identified as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams — all of whom were seniors at Pepperdine University.

Pepperdine University President Jim Gash said in a statement, "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."

"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," Gash continued. "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."

Connie Horton — vice president for student affairs at the private Christian university — added, "In this time of immeasurable grief and heartache, we stand together as a community and turn to our faith and each other to find hope and healing in the midst of this tragedy. Each departed student brought a unique gift and spirit to the University, and we deeply grieve the unfulfilled hopes and aspirations of our precious community members."

Pepperdine University held a prayer service on Thursday morning.

A local resident told KTLA that the stretch of Pacific Coast Highway is known as "Dead Man’s Curve" because of the high number of car accidents.

An unidentified woman told KTLA about the treacherous road, "Every six months there’s another accident. There was one three months ago, there was one four months ago, and they are all within these five to six houses."

Captain Seetoo stated, "There are too many people on this stretch of highway that have been killed. We are working with the community … to make sure that people are educated about the dangers of PCH, and to slow down."

Seeto said the department is considering installing speed cameras to try to curb speeding by drivers.

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