Los Angeles-based social media influencer Summer Wheaton, 33, surrendered to authorities on Monday, February 24, 2025, in connection with a fatal car crash that claimed the life of a 44-year-old rideshare driver, Martin Okeke.
Wheaton turned herself in at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Lost Hills Station, where she was formally booked on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI-related offenses. After posting a $250,000 bond, she was released pending trial.
If convicted, Wheaton faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Fatal Fourth of July Crash on Pacific Coast Highway
The tragic accident occurred on July 4, 2024, shortly after Wheaton left the exclusive “Red, White & Bootsy” party at Nobu Malibu. The event, organized by The h.wood Group, was a celebrity-filled Independence Day celebration.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., Wheaton was driving her 2019 Mercedes-Benz southbound on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) when she allegedly crossed the center median and collided head-on with a 2020 Cadillac Escalade driven by Okeke.
Emergency responders pronounced Okeke dead at the scene, while Wheaton and a passenger in Okeke’s vehicle were transported to UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities launched a months-long investigation, leading to Wheaton’s arrest warrant after evidence suggested that she had been intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Okeke’s Family
In December 2024, Okeke’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Wheaton, alleging that she was “severely intoxicated” when she got behind the wheel.
The lawsuit also targets Nobu Malibu and affiliated companies, claiming that Wheaton was hired to attend the party and was expected to consume alcohol as part of a promotional agreement.
Nobu has denied any contractual relationship with Wheaton.
City Revoked Nobu Malibu’s Event Permit, Yet Party Continued
The lawsuit further alleges that the City of Malibu had previously revoked Nobu’s permit for the Fourth of July event due to public safety and traffic concerns.
Despite this, the high-profile party still took place, attracting celebrities, influencers, and wealthy guests. Reports indicate that Wheaton drove herself to the event rather than using the designated shuttles provided by the venue.
Growing Concerns Over Public Safety on Pacific Coast Highway
The fatal crash has reignited public concerns over traffic safety on Pacific Coast Highway, which has seen several deadly accidents involving reckless or impaired drivers over the years.
Malibu residents and city officials have long pushed for stricter enforcement of DUI laws, better lighting, and additional traffic control measures on the dangerous coastal highway.
What’s Next for Summer Wheaton?
Wheaton’s legal proceedings will unfold in the coming months as prosecutors build their case against her. Given the severity of the charges, legal experts believe she could face significant prison time if convicted.
Meanwhile, Okeke’s family continues to seek justice, both through the criminal trial and the civil lawsuit filed against Wheaton and Nobu Malibu.
The case remains under investigation, and Wheaton has yet to issue a public statement regarding the incident.
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