Widow of Pennsylvania State Trooper Killed in DUI Crash Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The widow of a Pennsylvania state trooper who tragically lost his life in a DUI crash on I-95 is now seeking legal recourse. The lawsuit filed by the grieving widow argues that the death of her husband, 29-year-old Branden Sisca, could have been 100% preventable if proper measures were taken. The claim alleges that Trooper Sisca should have returned home to his pregnant wife after completing his shift in 2022.

The fateful incident occurred when Troopers Sisca and Martin Mack were assisting a pedestrian, identified as 28-year-old Reyes Rivera Oliveras, into the back of their cruiser on Interstate 95 South near the Stadium Complex in South Philadelphia. Tragically, a crash ensued, claiming the lives of all three individuals involved.

Attorney Adam Pantano from Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky, representing the family, expressed the need for answers, stating, “This tragedy that has resulted in the loss of two troopers has taken a father and husband away from his family. That family deserves to know the truth.”

In light of the devastating circumstances, the widow’s legal team announced a wrongful death lawsuit against the 23-year-old driver, Janaya Webb, who was convicted of causing the fatal crash. The lawsuit seeks justice for the untimely demise of the three men.

READ MORE: Blood alcohol content of suspect in fatal I-95 crash was twice the legal limit: police

The lawsuit also implicates Vibe Hookah Lounge, a club in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood, for illegally serving alcohol and marijuana to Webb despite her obvious intoxication. The complaint alleges that Webb was visibly intoxicated while at the establishment and, after being overserved alcohol and marijuana, began recklessly speeding down I-95 at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.

Attorney Jordan Howell, also representing the family, highlighted the club’s negligence, stating, “Not only were they serving alcohol without the necessary permit or license, but they also continued to serve her even when she was clearly intoxicated.”

Following the tragic incident, the Germantown club was forced to shut down within a few days.

Janaya Webb has been sentenced to serve 27 to 60 years in state prison after pleading guilty to three counts of third-degree murder, three counts of homicide by vehicle while driving impaired, and one count of DUI.