Photo source: Instagram
LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies have arrested self-proclaimed wellness advocate and social media influencer Summer Wheaton in connection with a deadly DUI crash in Malibu last year.
Wheaton surrendered to authorities at the Malibu/Lost Hills Station after a warrant was issued for her arrest. She faces multiple charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more.
The fatal collision occurred on July 4, 2024, along Pacific Coast Highway near Carbon Canyon, roughly a mile from Nobu Malibu. Investigators said Wheaton was driving eastbound in a 2019 Mercedes-Benz when she crossed the median and crashed head-on into a 2020 Cadillac driven by 44-year-old Martin Okeke.
The impact left both vehicles wrecked along the highway, forcing an hours-long closure as authorities investigated. Okeke was pronounced dead at the scene, while Wheaton and a passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Wheaton, who has over 100,000 Instagram followers, continued posting online in the months following the crash. In a December 17, 2024, video, she displayed a scar on her arm and mentioned personal struggles before promoting a faith-based planner in a paid social media partnership.
The arrest comes just weeks after Okeke’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Wheaton, Nobu Malibu, and hospitality company Hwood Group. The lawsuit alleges Wheaton was “severely intoxicated and impaired” after attending an event at Nobu Malibu and that the defendants failed to prevent her from driving despite knowing she was unfit to do so.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
