Social media influencer Summer Wheaton has been arrested for her involvement in a deadly crash in Malibu that took the life of 44-year-old Martin Okeke in July 2024. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department charged Wheaton with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence (DUI) with a BAC of 0.08% or more. Wheaton, who has 101,000 followers on Instagram, surrendered to authorities after they issued an arrest warrant for her.
The tragic collision occurred on July 4, 2024, near Carbon Canyon, just west of Nobu Malibu on Pacific Coast Highway. Investigators report that Wheaton, driving her 2019 Mercedes Benz, crossed the median and collided head-on with Okeke’s 2020 Cadillac. The crash shut down Pacific Coast Highway for approximately 12 hours as authorities investigated the scene. Okeke died shortly after the crash, while Wheaton and a passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Wheaton, known as a wellness advocate, has recently faced public scrutiny following the crash. A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Okeke’s family alleges that Wheaton was “severely intoxicated and impaired” after attending a party at Nobu Malibu. The suit also names the Hwood Group and Nobu Malibu as defendants, claiming they provided Wheaton with her car keys despite knowing she was unfit to drive.
This tragic incident has raised questions about the responsibilities of both influencers and businesses in ensuring safety after consuming intoxicants.
