Thursday marks a somber anniversary—one year since the tragic loss of four Pepperdine University students, Niahm Rolston, Peyton Stewert, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, in a high-speed crash along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). This devastating event has spurred their sorority sisters into action, advocating for safer roadways in memory of their friends.
The Incident That Changed Everything
On October 17, 2023, the four young women were walking along the PCH toward a friend’s home when a speeding vehicle veered onto the shoulder, crashing into three parked cars. Tragically, one of these vehicles struck the women, leading to their untimely deaths. The impact of this incident reverberates through the Pepperdine community, as friends and sorority sisters continue to mourn their loss while pushing for change.
Honouring Their Legacy
Despite the passage of a year, the pain of losing these vibrant young women is still raw. The sisters of Alpha Phi, the sorority to which the deceased belonged, are committed to keeping their memory alive by advocating for roadway safety.
Hannah Allen, best friend of Deslyn Williams, shared her ongoing struggle:
“I’ll never understand this. My junior year was a blur because of losing them.”
Hannah reminisces about the plans they made together, the future they envisioned, and how those dreams were shattered in an instant.
Living Inspired Lives
Georgia Puckett, the Vice President of New Member Education and Membership Experience for Alpha Phi, expressed how the loss of her friends has motivated her to live authentically:
“They taught me to be myself and not apologise for it.”
Puckett wears emerald earrings as a tribute to Asha Weir, a symbol of their bond and the memories they created together. She reflects on Asha’s wisdom and support, emphasizing the deep connections forged during their time together.
Cherishing Memories
Each sister shares memories that reveal the unique qualities of the four women.
- Charlie Robinson, a mentee of Peyton Stewart, remembers their time at Starbucks just before the crash, when Peyton expressed her happiness.
- Halia Hansen, Vice President of Marketing for Alpha Phi, recalls Asha’s insightful advice in a judgment-free space, highlighting how she always made her friends feel valued.
As they share these cherished moments, it’s clear that each of these women touched lives in profound ways.
Advocacy for Road Safety
Over the past year, the Alpha Phi sisters and the wider Pepperdine community have channelled their grief into action, working tirelessly to make PCH safer. In remembrance of their sisters, the sorority established a new foundation to support their cause.
Hannah Schendel, Alpha Phi President, shared their mission:
“Alpha Phi International allowed us to donate half of our proceeds to ‘Fix PCH.’ This cause is deeply personal to us.”
This initiative is crucial as PCH, particularly the section known as “Dead Man’s Curve,” has been infamous for accidents. Just last month, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill authorising the installation of at least five new speed cameras along this hazardous stretch.
Continuing the Fight
As the anniversary of the tragic crash approaches, the sisters of Alpha Phi hope their efforts will lead to meaningful change, improving safety for all who travel PCH.
“I hope that the legacy of our girls and everything they did for us can continue to be a huge impact and be a part of our philanthropy,” Schendel remarked.
The commitment to advocacy showcases the resilience of their friendship and their determination to honour the memories of Niahm, Peyton, Asha, and Deslyn.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The tragic loss of four Pepperdine students serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for roadway safety improvements. As the sisters of Alpha Phi honour their friends’ legacies, they call upon the community to rally together for change.
By sharing their stories and advocating for safety, they strive to ensure that no one else has to endure the pain of losing a loved one in a preventable accident.
