A Year Without Their Best Friends
Thursday marks one year since four Pepperdine University students were struck and killed in a high-speed crash along Pacific Coast Highway.
A Year of Grief and Remembrance
On October 17, 2023, Niahm Rolston, Peyton Stewert, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams were walking in Malibu towards a home on PCH to meet their sorority sisters when a car traveling at a high speed veered onto the shoulder of the road and slammed into three parked cars. Authorities said one of the parked cars hit the women, killing them.
Mourning the Loss
Pepperdine students, including the slain women’s sorority sisters and friends, continue to grieve their deaths while trying to honor their legacy by fixing the dangerous roadway where they were killed.
Honoring Their Legacy
Pepperdine Alpha Phi sisters are still struggling to cope with the pain and grief of losing their friends. "I’ll never understand this," said Hannah Allen, the best friend of Deslyn Williams. "I don’t know how I got through this year. My junior year was a complete blur just because of losing them."
Aasha’s Wisdom
Senior Asha Weir was known for her wisdom, her bravery, and her peaceful spirit. "Asha was so smart," said Halia Hansen, Vice President of Marketing for Alpha Phi. "She would have such good advice. There were a few issues that I would talk to her about, and it was just such a judgment-free area."
Peyton’s Bright Personality
Senior Peyton Stewart was a gentle spirit who walked with kindness in her eyes and love in her heart. Peyton’s friends and family reminisce on beautiful memories with Peyton and her golden personality.
Niamh’s Sunshine
Niahm Rolston, also known as “Sunshine Girl” among her friends, touched her friends with her spirit. "She would always have a smile on her face whenever I would see her," said Hannah Schendel, Pepperdine Alpha Phi President.
Community for Change
Over the past year, Alpha Phi and the Pepperdine community have pushed to make PCH safer. This year, the sorority added a new foundation to their philanthropy in remembrance of their sisters. "Alpha Phi International let us donate half of the proceeds to ‘Fix PCH,’” Schendel said. "It’s super special that our chapter is able to support a cause that is so personal to us."
Conclusion
The loss of these four students has left a profound impact on their friends and family. As they continue to grieve, they are also working to make a difference in the community by advocating for improved road safety. Their legacy will be remembered through the efforts of their friends and family to make PCH a safer place for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on October 17, 2023?
- Four Pepperdine University students, Niahm Rolston, Peyton Stewert, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, were struck and killed in a high-speed crash along Pacific Coast Highway.
- Who were the students?
- Niahm Rolston, also known as "Sunshine Girl," was a warm and caring individual who touched her friends with her spirit. Peyton Stewart was a gentle spirit who walked with kindness in her eyes and love in her heart. Asha Weir was known for her wisdom, bravery, and peaceful spirit, and was wise and a present and intentional daughter and friend. Deslyn Williams was a bright and energetic individual who was loved by all who knew her.
- What is the purpose of the new foundation established by Alpha Phi?
- The new foundation, established in 2024, will support the "Fix PCH" initiative, which aims to make Pacific Coast Highway a safer place by reducing speed limit, adding more speed cameras, and increasing enforcement. The foundation will also support other road safety initiatives and organizations.
