Victims of July 4 head-on collision identified • The Malibu Times

Martin Okeke, the driver of the car Rise, died at the scene of the accident; his teenage passenger sustained injuries

The identity of the victim killed in a head-on collision in Malibu on July 4 has been determined. Martin Okeke, 44, a rideshare driver, died at the scene of the crash on Pacific Coast Highway west of Carbon Canyon while driving a black 2020 Cadillac Escalade. Okeke’s vehicle was struck head-on by a white 2019 Mercedes Benz traveling eastbound. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that a preliminary investigation found that the Mercedes Benz “crossed the median for unknown reasons and collided head-on with a 2020 Cadillac traveling westbound.”

The driver of the Mercedes under investigation is identified as 32-year-old Summer Wheaton. On her eponymous website, she advertises herself as: “CEO and founder of two innovative startups and a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting self-discovery, self-empowerment, and individual wellness. Her nonprofit initiative focuses on encouraging self-discovery, providing resources for self-empowerment, and promoting mental health.”

The self-proclaimed social media influencer and health activist has only 102,000 followers on Instagram. Her now private account states that she sells or rents properties in Malibu and Beverly Hills.

She was also quoted on a website as saying, “My life mantra, my motto is: Learn, Master, Manipulate.” and “Make sure you are the winner in a capitalist society.”

The tragic accident occurred at 10:20 p.m., shortly after the controversial Fourth of July party at Nobu restaurant ended. Some Malibu residents are studying photo evidence and social media posts linking Wheaton as a guest at the party, whose sponsors included wine, tequila and champagne bottlers. Tables at the event, which ranged in price from $10,000 to $75,000, were all set with multiple bottles of alcohol. No tickets were advertised that did not include bottle service.

One condition of the controversial temporary use permit for the party was that guests could only arrive by shuttle, to avoid the huge traffic jam caused by the party in 2023 and perhaps also to prevent drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. The Malibu Timeswho was on site for an hour during the arrival phase, noticed several motorists who had found a parking space opposite the venue and went inside, presumably to then go to their vehicles and drive home.

LASD Malibu Liaison Sergeant Christopher Soderlund would not link Wheaton to a guest at Nobu when questioned on July 6, saying, “Her presence at Nobu is part of the overall investigation and is unconfirmed at this time.”

Investigators believe speed and alcohol are possible causes of the tragedy.

Not only did Okeke, a rideshare driver, die at the scene of the accident from multiple traumatic injuries, Wheaton and a juvenile passenger in Okeke’s vehicle were also injured and taken to UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center on Thursday evening.

If Wheaton is still in the hospital, it may take some time for an investigation to be conducted and a decision to be made as to what charges might be brought. Wheaton could potentially be charged with manslaughter or even an even more serious charge in connection with Okeke’s death.

On Friday, July 5, the city issued a statement that said, in part, “Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring expressed his deepest sympathies and concern over the incident: ‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life as a result of last night’s accident. This heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of the City’s ongoing efforts to improve safety on the Pacific Coast Highway.'”

Just two weeks ago, the City of Malibu launched the “Cruise Malibu” safe driving campaign to encourage action to prevent tragic speeding accidents like the one that occurred in October. Fraser Bohm, a Malibu resident, is accused of speeding and causing the accident that killed four Pepperdine students: Asha Weir, Deslyn Williams, Peyton Stewart and Niahm Rolston.

The July 4 tragedy not only left one person dead and two others injured, it also resulted in the PCH in Carbon Canyon being closed for nearly 10 hours. Numerous essential workers and others were unable to get to work, doctor’s appointments or other daytime obligations and may have lost their pay. Hundreds were stuck in traffic for hours.

Martin Okeke is the 61st person killed in a highway accident on the PCH since the municipality began counting in 2014.

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