Four women killed in a crash on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu are believed to have been students at Pepperdine’s Seaver College of Liberal Arts, the university said.
The crash occurred about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, in the 21600 block of Pacific Coast Highway, with a 22-year-old man arrested but not yet publicly identified.
The four women were believed to have been walking when struck.
They were not immediately publicly identified, but Pepperdine University sent a message to the campus community saying officials believed the women were students.
“The university is in contact with authorities and will assist with the notifications of family members when appropriate,” Pepperdine said. “Our community has experienced a tremendous loss and encourages everyone to prioritize their health and well-being. The university is providing spiritual and emotional support, including from the counseling center, from the pastoral care team, and the student care team.
“In this time of immeasurable grief and unimaginable heartache, we stand together as a community and turn to our faith and each other for comfort in the midst of despair,” the university said.
KNX News reported from the scene Wednesday morning that there may have been a Pepperdine fraternity party in the area Tuesday night.
Sheriff’s officials were expected to give an update on the investigation at a Wednesday news conference.
Initial reports from the scene indicated that a black BMW was being driven west on PCH when it struck multiple parked vehicles and slammed into the women.
The four women died at the scene. Two other people were taken to hospitals in unknown condition.
There were several heavily damaged vehicles, including one that was pushed onto its side.
It was unclear if the arrested man suffered any injuries. A Los Angeles County Fire Department captain told KTLA5 speed was likely a factor in the crash, but it was unknown if the driver was racing.
Sheriff’s investigators asked anyone with information related to the collision to call them at 818-878-1808.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Source: Orange County Register
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