Malibu, Calif. — Nearly one year after the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine University students, their families have initiated legal proceedings against the state of California and various government agencies. The legal action stems from a horrific accident that occurred on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, claiming the lives of the young women as they attended a nearby event.
On the evening of October 17, 2023, the victims—identified as Pepperdine seniors Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams—were either walking or standing alongside the famously treacherous stretch of road when a speeding vehicle lost control. The car collided with three parked vehicles, one of which was propelled into the group of students, resulting in their immediate fatalities. The crash site was located approximately five miles east of the university campus.
The driver, a 22-year-old, was subsequently arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. This incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about the safety of this particular section of PCH, known colloquially as “Dead Man’s Curve,” a name that grimly reflects its dangerous reputation.
The lawsuit accuses the state of California, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Los Angeles County, and the city of Malibu of negligence. Specifically, the families contend these entities have failed to make necessary improvements to what is described as a perilously designed roadway. They are seeking accountability for the alleged oversight in road safety measures that could potentially prevent future tragedies.
This stretch of road, which spans roughly 0.8 miles from Las Flores Canyon Road to Carbon Canyon Road, has been reported as the most hazardous segment of the 21-mile coastal road through Malibu. Supported by statements from local authorities, notably Los Angeles County Sheriff Captain Jennifer Seetoo, there were 3,345 vehicle collisions recorded on this stretch between 2013 and 2023, resulting in 53 deaths and 92 serious injuries. Over the last decade, more than 42,102 speeding citations have been issued in the area, underscoring the prevalence of reckless driving along the coastal route.
In a recent statement, the city of Malibu expressed understanding and respect concerning the grieving families’ pursuit of justice. “We understand the legal actions filed by the families in their pursuit of accountability, and the city respects their right to seek justice,” the statement read. It further emphasized the city’s commitment to collaborating with state and county agencies to accelerate necessary safety improvements on PCH.
Representatives for the state, Caltrans, and Los Angeles County have yet to publically address the lawsuit, leaving many to speculate about potential outcomes and the implications for road safety reform in Malibu and possibly other high-risk areas.
As the community and the victims’ families await responses and possible legal advancements, this lawsuit may serve as a pivotal moment in advocating for safer road conditions, potentially influencing broader legislative and infrastructural changes to enhance and secure public thoroughfares prone to such catastrophic incidents.