Lender expresses 'deepest sympathies' to those affected by tragic accident
Mortgage giant OCMBC Inc. has named former chief capital markets officer John Hamel as president and placed Serene Vernon on administrative leave after Vernon was arrested following a tragic accident in California on Friday.
Vernon was booked at the Orange County Jail on suspicion of murder and driving under the influence (DUI) causing injury after a vehicle collision that killed 88-year-old Melvin Joseph Weibel near Laguna Beach at about 6:15 p.m. on Friday evening.
Deputies said a Land Rover SUV turned left on a red arrow signal in front of a Ford Transit van. The van’s driver was rushed to hospital for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
OCMBC expressed its “deepest sympathies” to those affected following the tragic accident. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking event,” it said, “and we intend to monitor the situation closely, responding with care and responsibility in accordance with our company’s core values.”
The company does business as LoanStream Mortgage, LendingPros, Forward Lending, and JET Advantage Mortgage. It said it remains “fully operational with no expected disruptions” amid the transition and loan processes, approvals, funding and servicing would continue without interruption.
“This has been a difficult time for everyone affected by this tragic event, and our hearts go out to those impacted,” OCMBC chief executive officer Rabi Aziz said. “I have full confidence in John Hamel and our experienced leadership team to guide the company forward while upholding our standards of excellence and dedication to our clients and partners.”
Hamel said the company remained committed to its clients, partners, and employees, and said its leadership team was “actively working to ensure the seamless continuation of our operations.”
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