Niamh Rolston Obituary, Death – Malibu, California, on October 18th, 2023: Before disclosing the students’ names to the greater Pepperdine community, the University has ensured that it has obtained confirmation and has had the opportunity to consult with the students’ families. Yesterday evening, four seniors named Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams were killed in an automobile accident that occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway.
“My heart is broken with yours,” stated University President Jim Gash in a statement to the Pepperdine community. “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.” “As we come to terms with this profound loss, please know that I share your grief.”
According to the Vice President for Student Affairs, Connie Horton, “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,” said Horton. “We are here for each other.” “Each student who has since left the University brought a one-of-a-kind gift and spirit to the institution, and we deeply mourn the unfulfilled hopes and aspirations of our precious community members,”
On Thursday morning at 10 o’clock, there will be a prayer service for members of the Pepperdine community to attend. Although they are not permitted to attend in person, members of the media are welcome to participate in the event using Zoom. The University is currently working with the families of the deceased students to choose how best to remember each student, and memorial ceremonies are currently being planned.
