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California Highway Patrol PSA focuses on survivor of DUI crash that killed family, impact of drunken driving

Posted at 2:17 PM, Sep 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-03 20:42:50-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – A new public service announcement produced by the California Highway Patrol focuses on the deaths of a Valley Center family in a 2017 DUI-related crash and its impact on an officer and his niece, the lone survivor of the tragedy.

In November 2017, the Latulippe family were traveling in Austin, Texas, when a drunken driver crashed into their vehicle.

Scott Latulippe, his wife Nancy, and their 14-year-old son Jackson died in the wreck. Ten-year-old Kiera Latulippe survived.

The driver, Guy Brasted, was eventually convicted for the family members’ deaths and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

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CHP Officer Mark Latulippe, Scott’s cousin, became Kiera’s legal guardian.

"Someone's choice completely changed her life," said Officer Latulippe. "It’s an honor to take her in. I wish Scott, Nancy, and Jackson were still here. I’m filling in."

The CHP’s documentary-style PSA, titled “Falling,” tells the story of the Latulippe family, but it also shows the dramatic effects DUI can have on people’s lives.

Officer Latulippe said, “DUI is a constant issue that is not going away … DUI is a choice. DUI is completely preventable.”

He tells ABC 10News that his goal is to make someone stop and think before drinking and driving.

"Have a plan," he said. "Good people make bad choices, make a good choice."

Watch the CHP-produced “Falling” below: