Influencer Summer Wheaton Identified as Driver in Fatal Malibu Crash That Killed 1, Authorities Say
The second driver involved in the crash died at the scene
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Summer Wheaton attends the Shein Friendsgiving Dinner Hosted By Jena Frumes at Hotel Figueroa on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.Authorities in California have identified a social media influencer as one of two drivers involved in a crash on the Pacific Coast Highway on July 4 that left one dead.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department alleges that Summer Wheaton was operating a Mercedes Benz when the vehicle crossed the highway’s center median and collided with a Cadillac SUV traveling in the opposite direction, according to The Los Angeles Times, ABC affiliate KABC-TV and The Malibu Times.
The driver of the Cadillac was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the outlets. He has since been identified as 44-year–old ride-share driver Martin Okeke, per The Malibu Times.
Wheaton and a passenger from the Cadillac were transported to UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center following the crash, per the outlets.
Neither Wheaton nor the LASD immediately responded to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.
The self-described influencer and “wellness advocate" reportedly attended an event at Nobu restaurant in Malibu before the crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. local time, per the outlets. However, when asked about her attendance, police told The Malibu Times that "her being at Nobu" was "part of the overall investigation and unconfirmed at this time."
The party reportedly did not receive proper permitting before hosting the event. According to KABC-TV, city officials allege they denied the permit as the restaurant’s owners did not comply with traffic and safety conditions.
But as The Malibu Times reported, an attorney claiming to represent Nobu has argued the city violated the business owners’ rights. The attorney did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
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Wheaton has more than 100,000 followers on Instagram, where she promoted herself as a “founder, speaker and wellness advocate.” (The account is currently private.)
She is listed as CEO and founder of “two innovative startups” on her website, which also is no longer publicly accessible, according to The Los Angeles Times.
Related: Michigan Dad Dead, Wife and Three Sons Injured, After Car Crash: 'Heartbreaking Tragedy'
On July 5, Mayor Steve Uhring issued a statement, saying, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from last night’s accident."
Uhring added, "This heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of the City’s ongoing efforts to address safety on Pacific Coast Highway.”
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
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