Jake Curtis dies in fatal Highway 1 crash outside Lompoc

Jake Curtis dies in fatal Highway 1 crash outside Lompoc

Fatal Highway 1 crash death of Jake Curtis – Obituary

Jake Curtis, 18, of Goleta, lost his life in a tragic multi-vehicle collision on Highway 1 near Rancho San Julian between Lompoc and Gaviota on the evening of May 18.

Curtis was driving a 2007 Toyota Yaris that crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a 2024 Tesla Model 3. Two passengers in the Toyota, Michael Ochsner, 17, and Alexander Wood, 15, both from Santa Barbara, also died at the scene.

The force of the crash caused the Tesla to strike a 2012 Audi Q5, and one of the vehicles was involved in a secondary collision with a 2002 Honda Accord. The Tesla’s driver and passenger, both in their 50s from Lompoc, suffered serious injuries and were transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The other two drivers involved were teenagers from Santa Barbara.

California Highway Patrol and local authorities continue investigating the incident, urging anyone with information to contact them. Lieutenant Jason Bronson expressed condolences, emphasizing the deep sorrow felt by the community after this devastating loss.