On Wednesday evening, a tragic accident occurred in the Granite Bay area of Placer County. A car ran off the road and into a tree before bursting into flames, leaving three passengers dead and one driver injured.
Authorities have identified the victims as Patrick Gainer, Paul Hammack, and Karan Pannu. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office also identified the driver as Jerry Cepel, and it is believed that alcohol or drugs may have been a factor in the crash. This heartbreaking story has stunned many in the community and sparked an outpouring of grief from those who knew the victims.
How did Paul Hammack die?what was the cause of Tragic Accident?
The California Highway Patrol Auburn division reported the crash around 9:20 p.m., but investigations are still ongoing to determine how exactly this happened and if there were any other factors at play. Sadly, all three passengers died at the scene while Cepel was taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with major injuries. Witnesses say that Cepel was able to exit his vehicle before it burst into flames, but sadly his passengers were not so lucky.
Since then, a memorial has been growing outside of where this tragic crash occurred as friends and family members come together to pay their respects for those lost in this terrible incident. Local outlets report that many people were seen hugging each other and crying by the roadside shrine dedicated to Gainer, Hammack, and Pannu. It is clear that this accident has left an indelible mark on those who knew them best as they grapple with their sudden loss while trying to make sense of what happened that night on East Roseville Parkway.
Tributes Pour to Paul Hammack death
Scott Marsh
Tonight I learned the most awful tragic news. My dear friend and fraternity brother Paul Hammack was one of the 4 people killed in the Granite Bay car accident Wednesday night. Paul was a devoted husband and father and a very successful businessman in our area. We shared a lot of great times together at UC Davis and continued our friendship throughout the years here in Sacramento. We were supposed to play golf a few weeks ago but unfortunately we had to postpone…I really wish we could have played that day. This photo is one of my favorite of the two of us…it’s from our Fraternity Chartering Banquet. It was a proud night for us as The Delta Chi UC Davis Chapter was officially accepted as a full member in the national organization. Paul had been a President and I was the current President. I will miss Paul greatly.
RIP Brother ❤️🙏
Paul Phillips
Brother this is the first I’m hearing. Paul was a terrific guy, always there as a friend and compatriot, always a sense of humor, a keen business mind, and as proud of his family as could be. So many Delta Chi memories surround him. What a tragic, deeply saddening loss.
Jennifer Eisenbeisz Power
I’m so sorry! It is so tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.
Nancy Butero
🙏🙏🙏
Pamela VanMastrigt
😢😢This tragedy serves as a reminder of just how fragile life can be when we least expect it, especially when dangerous driving behaviors such as drinking or drug use are involved.
Our thoughts go out to those affected by this devastating accident during these difficult times. We hope for swift justice for those lost in this tragedy so that both their families—and our entire community—can find closure in due time following this horrible incident in Placer County. May all three victims rest peacefully knowing that they will never be forgotten by those whose lives they touched during their too-brief time on earth.
A professional colleague who became a friend. I mourn the loss of Paul Hammack and pray for his mother, wife, children and family. A good man I will miss. Rest well my friend.