Fatal Granite Bay crash investigation confirms DUI

A report released by California Highway Patrol March 15 revealed that Jerry Monroe Cepel was under the influence of alcohol when he crashed his vehicle which resulted in the death of him and his three passengers. The incident happened Dec. 14 in Granite Bay and killed Cepel, 61, Karan Pannu, 45, Patrick Gainer, 65, and Paul Hammack, 53, according to the Placer County Coroner's Office. The CHP report added that physical evidence showed that Cepel "was driving his 2016 Mercedes at a high rate of speed and made an unsafe turning movement which caused his vehicle to travel off the main portion of the roadway where it collided into three separate trees causing fatal injuries to all four occupants." CHP stressed not to drink and drive. "Every alcohol related crash is preventable. Have a plan, designate a sober driver, and utilize other means of transportation to get to your destination safely," said Captain Brandon Straw, California Highway Patrol's Auburn office commander. "The dangers of driving under the influence cost four people their lives and has caused unimaginable suffering for the families. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the consequences when people decide to drive while intoxicated." This news followed a lawsuit that was filed Dec. 28 by Sierra Sannu, the widow of one of the victims of the car crash, against Cepel and House of Oliver in Roseville, a restaurant who she said served Cepel alcohol prior to the crash. Pannu's lawsuit lists charges of motor vehicle property damage, personal injury, wrongful death and other damages such as loss of wages and hospital expenses. The lawsuit is an unlimited civil case, which means she is seeking more than $25,000. She alleged in the lawsuit that House of Oliver was negligent and violated business codes of conduct "by continuing to serve alcohol to Mr. Cepel when he was severely intoxicated and obviously drunk the night of Dec. 14, 2022 during the Whiskey Wednesday event." The lawsuit added that House of Oliver "allowed Mr. Cepel to drive." Pannu also stated in the lawsuit that Cepel was "driving over the speed limit and intoxicated when he caused the death of Karan Pannu." She alleged that Cepel's actions were intentional, with "complete disregard for the life of others," and caused her severe emotional distress. The lawsuit stated that Sierra and Pannu shared two children together and had a "close, loving and dependent relationship." Matthew Oliver, owner of both House of Oliver in Roseville and Lincoln, has not responded to Gold Country Media's requests for comment.