Instagram influencer Summer Wheaton has pleaded not guilty to charges tied to a deadly crash in Malibu that prosecutors say occurred after she left a star-studded Fourth of July gathering at Nobu.
Wheaton, 35, entered her plea in Van Nuys Superior Court to one count of vehicular manslaughter and two DUI-related counts connected to the July 4, 2024, collision, KTLA reported.
According to prosecutors, Wheaton had been at an Independence Day event hosted by Bootsy Bellows at the upscale Malibu sushi restaurant before driving away in her 2019 Mercedes-Benz at about 10:30 p.m.
The party attracted a number of well-known guests, including rappers Wiz Khalifa and Tyga, as well as former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson.
Authorities claim Wheaton crossed the center median on Pacific Coast Highway near the 22000 block and collided head-on with a westbound 2020 Cadillac SUV driven by 44-year-old Martin Okeke, who was working as a rideshare driver.
Wheaton’s lawyer has challenged the prosecution’s account, contending that Okeke—not Wheaton—caused the head-on crash.
Okeke was declared dead at the scene. Wheaton and a passenger in the Cadillac were transported to a hospital after suffering injuries.
Investigators have previously said they believed speed and alcohol may have been factors in the collision, though the inquiry was still continuing.
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Following Okeke’s death, loved ones launched a GoFundMe campaign to help his wife and children with funeral expenses, describing him as a devoted husband and father known for his generosity and unwavering love for his family.
As of Tuesday the family has raised nearly $10,000 of the $50,000 goal.
The fatal collision also sparked scrutiny of Nobu Malibu after city officials revealed they had denied permits for the Fourth of July event over unresolved traffic and public safety concerns. Despite the denial, the party went ahead anyway.
At the time, Malibu City Manager Steve McClary said organizers had been warned that proceeding with the event would violate the city’s municipal code and could result in enforcement action.
The city’s code enforcement department later opened an investigation into the restaurant over the gathering.
Wheaton, who branded herself online as a wellness influencer, had more than 100,000 Instagram followers before the crash.
According to KTLA, her following has since dropped by roughly 5,500 users, and she previously made her Instagram account private and removed her personal website in the aftermath of the deadly wreck.
If convicted, Wheaton could face years behind bars.
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