Four students of Pepperdine University have passed away after being struck by a speeding driver in Malibu, California. The students were walking on Tuesday night before they were struck by a speeding driver. The university identified the victims as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams, who were all students at Seaver College School of the Arts. Officials as the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department confirmed in a press conferences that the four students were pronounced dead at the scene while two other people were also injured in the crash and were rushed to the hospital. The driver, 22-year-old Michael Bohm, lost control of his BMW as he drove on the Pacific Coast Highway before swerving, hitting three parked cars and slamming into the four students. Bohm was arrested, but was released from jail just five hours later.

“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,” Pepperdine’s President and CEO Jim Gash wrote in a statement to the school community Wednesday. “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,” he continued. “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.”

Prayer vigils have been held for the students, giving the students the opportunity to grieve and pay their respects for their classmates lost. “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,” said Gash.