Three Teens Killed in Highway 1 Crash Near Lompoc

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A devastating four-vehicle crash on Highway 1 near Rancho San Julian claimed the lives of three teenagers and left two adults with major injuries on Sunday evening. The collision happened just after 6 p.m. along the stretch of highway between Lompoc and Gaviota, drawing response from the Buellton California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office, and Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Investigators say a 2007 Toyota Yaris, heading southbound, veered into the northbound lane and collided head-on with a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The impact pushed the Tesla into a 2012 Audi Q5 traveling south, and a fourth vehicle, a 2002 Honda Accord, was also hit.

Tragically, all three people inside the Toyota Yaris died at the scene. The victims have been identified as 18-year-old Jake Curtis of Goleta (the driver), and passengers Michael Ochsner, 17, and Alexander Wood, 15, both of Santa Barbara. All three were students at Dos Pueblos High School and worked as lifeguards for Santa Barbara County.

The two individuals in the Tesla, 54-year-old physician Hafez Nasr and 53-year-old Saghar Golpayegani, both of Lompoc, sustained major injuries. Nasr was transported by ambulance, while Golpayegani was airlifted by CalStar helicopter to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for treatment.

The drivers of the Audi and Honda—Luke Karmen, 16, and Daniel Switzer, 17, both high school students from Santa Barbara—suffered minor injuries.

“This was a tragedy, and local families have lost loved ones,” said Lieutenant Jason Bronson, Commander of the Buellton CHP Area. “We grieve with the families and work every day to prevent this loss of life in our communities.”

The crash remains under investigation. Authorities ask anyone with additional information to contact the Buellton Area CHP office at (805) 691-6160.

Highway 1 was temporarily closed in both directions but has since reopened.

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Frank Penney Injury Lawyers does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

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