Influencer arrested after leaving Nobu party drunk and causing deadly crash, police say
Social media influencer Summer Wheaton has been arrested and booked on suspicion of manslaughter and drunk driving for her alleged involvement in a fatal crash after she left Nobu Malibu last July 4.
Mon, 10 Mar 2025
The crash led to the death of ride-share driver Martin Okeke.
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Wheaton posted a $250,000 bond and was released later the same day.
The Independent has approached LA County Sheriff’s Department and Summer Wheaton for further comment.
Influencer Arrested After Allegedly Causing Fatal Crash Following Nobu Party
Social media influencer Summer Wheaton has been arrested on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence (DUI) following a fatal accident that occurred after she left a party at Nobu Malibu on July 4, 2024.
Incident Details
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Wheaton, who has over 100,000 followers on Instagram, was driving her 2019 Mercedes-Benz on the Pacific Coast Highway when she allegedly crossed the center median and collided head-on with a 2020 Cadillac driven by ride-share driver Martin Okeke. Okeke was pronounced dead at the scene, while Wheaton and a passenger in the Cadillac sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
Legal Proceedings
Wheaton was arrested and booked on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing bodily injury. She posted a $250,000 bond and was released the same day. If convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter, she faces up to 10 years in prison. The DUI charges, which can be prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies, each carry a potential sentence of up to three years in prison.
Civil Lawsuit
In December 2024, Okeke's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Wheaton, alleging she was "severely intoxicated and impaired" at the time of the crash. The lawsuit also names Nobu Malibu and associated entities, claiming Wheaton had been hired to attend the party and was "expected to consume intoxicants" as part of her contract. An attorney for Nobu has denied that Wheaton was hired by the restaurant.
Community Response
The incident has sparked discussions about road safety and the responsibilities of influencers and establishments in promoting responsible behavior. Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring expressed condolences following the tragedy, emphasizing the city's commitment to addressing safety on the Pacific Coast Highway.
As the legal process unfolds, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of impaired driving.