A Message from the Vice President for Student Affairs – Pepperdine University Mourns the Loss of Four Seaver College Students

Posted on October 18, 2023, 4:52 PM

It is with profound sorrow that we bring this message to the Pepperdine community about the tragic passing of four beloved members of our student community. As you know, we sought official confirmation and the opportunity to speak with the families before releasing the students’ names.

We can now inform you that Seaver College students, seniors Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, passed away in the car accident on Pacific Coast Highway last night. 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. Each departed student brought a unique gift and spirit to the University, and we deeply grieve the unfulfilled hopes and aspirations of our precious community members. 

In the coming days, we will share details regarding memorial services for each student as we work with their families to appropriately honor them.

The pain we collectively bear may be overwhelming, especially to those who best knew and loved these students. The University stands ready to provide spiritual and emotional support to all members of our Pepperdine family.

We encourage those who feel they may need support to contact the Counseling Center (310.506.4210), where counselors are available to talk 24/7. Online and out-of-state students can access ongoing counseling using the TimelyCare app. Student pastoral care is also available from Tim Spivey, associate vice president for spiritual life, and the team at the Hub for Spiritual Life. For additional support or to locate a mental health professional in your community, contact the Student Care Team. Faculty and staff may reach out to University chaplain Sara Barton.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Niamh, Peyton, Asha, and Deslyn and pray for their peace and healing during this time of significant grief.

Prayer Service for Our Grieving Community

Posted on October 18, 2023, 4:07 PM

Thursday, October 19, 2023
10 AM
Firestone Fieldhouse

As our Pepperdine family continues to grieve the loss of young lives, all faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to gather together for prayer and reflection. In light of yesterday’s tragic events that occurred on Pacific Coast Highway, the “Prayer for Our World” service will not meet as previously scheduled. Instead, all are welcome to pray for the Pepperdine community in the Firestone Fieldhouse. All Seaver College classes will be canceled from 10 to 11 AM on Thursday, October 19, to support students who wish to participate. Those who are unable to participate in person may join the event via Zoom.

Join us as we come together in a spirit of comfort, compassion, and care as we lift up in prayer the families and friends of those we have lost and unite as a community to call upon our loving God for peace and comfort in this difficult time. President Jim Gash, provost Jay Brewster, and vice president for student affairs Connie Horton will address the community as we immerse ourselves in prayer and scripture to seek God’s presence to bring healing to our community. Members of the Hub for Spiritual Life, Office of the Chaplain, Counseling Center, and Student Care Team will be available to provide counseling and pastoral care to all who need support at this difficult time.

A Message from President Jim Gash

Posted on October 18, 2023, 1:09 PM

Dear Pepperdine family,

No day is more devastating to a tightly knit university community than the day that forces us to come together in grief and sorrow. Earlier today, we learned that four precious lives who brought joy and light to our campus were taken from us suddenly, tragically, and incomprehensibly. Indeed, one of the greatest mysteries of life is when and why our time on this earth is cut short. In such times, we hold firm to our faith in the  God who sustains and nourishes us even when—and especially when—we experience life’s most significant losses.

As a parent, the loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy. No words can appropriately convey the depth of my sympathy to the families who are living through a reality no parent would ever want to endure. You are not alone. Pepperdine stands with you as you traverse these challenging waters.

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. I join you in your grief as we process this profound loss.

To the faculty and staff members who mentored and loved these students throughout their academic journeys both inside and outside the classroom, I offer prayers of comfort, support, and gratitude.

When the weight of grief feels insurmountable and we find ourselves walking in a dark valley, my hope is that we experience the comfort and presence of our God who promises to walk with us and give us strength. As we walk this path together, I pray we gain strength and comfort from one another. In the embrace of our community, we also pray for the fortitude to navigate this painful journey knowing that we are not alone. 

In the days ahead, we will come together in meaningful ways to honor and celebrate the lives of the remarkable individuals lost to this unthinkable tragedy. We will harness the strength found in the bonds of friendship and the community that unites us. And we will take comfort in the Lord who provides us with the supernatural strength and peace required to carry on. I know that God holds Pepperdine in his healing and loving arms and protects our community as we grieve and honor these dear loved ones. 

With a heavy heart,

Jim Gash