Los Angeles-based influencer Summer Wheaton turned herself in to authorities after a fatal drunk driving crash that killed a man following a celebrity-filled party at Nobu Malibu, raising serious questions about influencer accountability and responsibility.
At a Glance
- Summer Wheaton was arrested and charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated after a July 4th crash that killed 44-year-old Martin Okeke
- Wheaton allegedly drove her Mercedes Benz across a median after attending a party at Nobu Malibu, colliding with Okeke’s Cadillac
- Okeke’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Wheaton, Nobu Malibu, and other parties
- The lawsuit claims Wheaton was hired to attend the party where alcohol was served, despite Malibu officials previously denying Nobu’s permit for the event
- Wheaton was released on a $230,000 bond but continues promoting content on social media while awaiting trial
Fatal Crash After Celebrity Party
Summer Wheaton, a social media influencer based in Los Angeles, faces serious legal consequences after allegedly causing a fatal collision while driving under the influence. The crash occurred after Wheaton attended a star-studded Fourth of July party at the exclusive Nobu restaurant in Malibu. Former boxing champion Mike Tyson was reportedly among the high-profile guests at the gathering.
According to authorities, Wheaton drove her Mercedes Benz across a median and collided with a Cadillac driven by 44-year-old Martin Okeke. The impact killed Okeke at the scene, while Wheaton and a passenger in Okeke’s vehicle were hospitalized with injuries. Following an investigation, officials issued a warrant for Wheaton’s arrest, and she subsequently turned herself in to face charges.
Serious Legal Charges
Law enforcement did not take the incident lightly, levying multiple serious charges against the social media personality. Wheaton was booked for the charges of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Bodily Injury, and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with a BAC of 0.08% or above Causing Bodily Injury, officials said.
Wheaton was released after posting bail, but the legal process is only beginning. While she has not directly addressed the fatal crash in public statements, she alluded to personal difficulties in a December Instagram video. “The last few months have been hard. You know that feeling when life seems like it’s all falling apart, but somehow it’s a start of something really beautiful? Well, that was me,” she said.
Family Seeks Justice Through Lawsuit
Okeke’s grieving family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit that extends beyond just Wheaton to include Nobu Malibu and other parties associated with the July 4th event. The lawsuit claims Wheaton was hired to attend the party and was expected to consume alcohol, creating a dangerous situation that ultimately led to the fatal crash. Furthermore, the legal action alleges the restaurant proceeded with the event despite Malibu officials previously denying the establishment’s permit due to safety concerns.
