Latest Event Updates
A Message from President Jim Gash
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
PCH Reopened
Pacific Coast Highway has reopened.
For the most up-to-date information on roads near Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, please call the Road Conditions Hotline at 310.506.7623 (ROAD). Greater Los Angeles road conditions can be viewed online at www.sigalert.com.
Fatal Accident on Pacific Coast Highway Update 10:45 AM | Community Spiritual Life Support
The University continues to actively address the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident that occurred on Pacific Coast Highway Tuesday evening. While we understand there are names circulating on social media and in our community, Pepperdine does not share names without official confirmation, which we do not yet have from local authorities.
As our community begins to navigate the profound grief and loss of yesterday’s tragic events, the Hub for Spiritual Life will provide the community opportunities for communal prayer and reflection.
- Stauffer Chapel will be open today, October 18, from noon to 8 PM and then after The Well. Stauffer Chapel will also be open tomorrow, October 19, from 10 AM to 1 PM, where the University Chaplain and Hub for Spiritual Life staff will be available to provide ministerial care to all who need spiritual support at this time.
- The Well, which will proceed as scheduled this evening at 8 PM at the Amphitheater, will hold a special night of prayer and worship. All are welcome to pray, reflect, mourn, and share fellowship with one another.
- A Prayer for Our Community service is planned for tomorrow, Thursday, October 19, at 10 AM at Stauffer Chapel will offer a time of reflection and prayer for our grieving community.
- The Green Lecture will be held at 7 PM tonight and will be moved from Stauffer Chapel to the Surfboard Room on the second floor of the Payson Library.
All are welcome to gather to find solace in the company of one another and to draw strength from our shared faith. May our faith, our prayers, and our love for one another uplift and support us during these difficult times.
Fatal Accident on Pacific Coast Highway Update 8:40 AM
After receiving the tragic news of a fatal accident near the Malibu campus last night, the University has reason to believe the four individuals who were killed on Pacific Coast Highway were Seaver College students.
The University is in contact with authorities and will assist with the notifications of family members when we have confirmation. Thereafter, we will provide additional information to the Pepperdine community. In this time of immeasurable grief and unimaginable heartache, we stand together as a community and turn to our faith and each other for comfort in the midst of despair.
Pepperdine University plans to continue with our normal class schedule to provide structure and community for our students. We acknowledge that our community has experienced a tremendous loss and encourage students to prioritize their health and well-being.The pain we collectively bear may feel overwhelming, especially to those who knew and loved these students. The University stands ready to provide spiritual and emotional support to all members of our Pepperdine family and invites you to lean on the following resources for solace and guidance. 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.
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