Los Angeles County authorities confirmed the arrest of social media influencer Summer Wheaton in connection with a fatal crash that took place on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu on July 4, 2024. The incident resulted in the death of ride-share driver Martin Okeke, ABC7 reports. Wheaton, who boasts over 100,000 Instagram followers, was allegedly intoxicated when her Mercedes-Benz crossed the median and collided with Okeke's Cadillac.
Following a lengthy investigation, Wheaton surrendered to the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station on Monday, CBS Los Angeles detailed. She faces several charges including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence. After the arrest warrant was issued, Wheaton was briefly held behind bars and later released on a $250,000 bond, as documented by The Malibu Times.
On the night of the tragic incident, Wheaton had left an event known as the white party at the prestigious Nobu restaurant. Okeke's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Wheaton later that year, alleging she was "severely intoxicated and impaired." This lawsuit also names the Hwood Group and Nobu Malibu as defendants, accusing them of negligence for providing Wheaton with her vehicle after she had been drinking.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Wheaton continued her online presence. In a December 17 Instagram post, she spoke of difficult times and promoted a "faith-based planner," a post that was a paid partnership. CBS Los Angeles reported that this came just two weeks after Okeke's family initiated legal action. Wheaton currently faces a charge of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, a felony that carries a sentence of up to ten years in prison, which may increase if there are prior DUI convictions.
