Pepperdine releases names of 4 women killed in Malibu PCH crash

MALIBU, Calif. - A horrific crash on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu killed four Pepperdine University students.

On Wednesday, the school announced Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams were the four women killed in Tuesday's crash. The school said the four women were in their senior year as undergrads.

"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," said University President Jim Gash in a message to the Pepperdine community. "I join you in your grief as we process this profound loss."

"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 Connie Horton, Vice President for Student Affairs. "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."

A prayer service was held on Thursday morning for members of the Pepperdine community. 

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 4 dead in crash on PCH in Malibu

A 22-year-old man who drove a BMW was initially taken into custody and was booked, but has since been released, due to insufficient evidence at the time of the investigation. 

Investigators said that the vehicle slammed into three parked cars before bouncing off the vehicles and hitting the four women – who officials say were standing on the side of the road.

The cause of the deadly crash remains under investigation.