Around 1,200 community members gathered at the Dos Pueblos High School Greek Theater yesterday for a candlelight vigil in memory of the lives of Jake Curtis (12), Michael Ochsner (11), and Alexander Wood (10), who tragically passed away in a car accident on Highway 1 on Sunday night.
All three were students at DPHS and members of various sports teams, while also serving as county lifeguards for Santa Barbara. Their deaths have shaken the school and broader Goleta community, with the loss being felt by classmates, staff, friends, and families.
“They were bright, kind, committed students, each with so much ahead of them,” DPHS Principal Bill Woodard said. “They were lifeguards, classmates, athletes, students, brothers, sons, and friends.”
Woodard opened the vigil by acknowledging the heartbreak that the school and surrounding community are feeling and the importance of supporting one another in the days ahead.
“Losing them so suddenly has left us heartbroken,” Woodard said. “In the face of such loss, words often fall short. But what we can do is stand together. We can grieve together, and we can support one another as we begin the long and difficult journey of healing.”
He then led a moment of silence — a pause to remember “the light and love they leave behind.” The silence was followed by a performance from the DPHS Choir, who sang “Timshel” by the band Mumford and Sons.
As the sun was setting, ASB President Andy Brennan (12) invited anyone who wished to speak to come forward to the mic. One by one, family and friends came forward to share stories and memories.
The first to speak was Owen Wood (11), Alex’s older brother and Michael’s best friend. Owen shared his last moment with Alex, a phone call with him, moments before the accident.
“That phone call was at 6:01 p.m. and lasted 48 seconds,” Owen said. “My very good friend, Daniel Switzer, called 911 following the crash at 6:04.”
Owen explained that Alex had texted him and his mom that he was going to In-N-Out after his final day of lifeguard training. Owen then made his final phone call to his brother asking for a 3×3 cheeseburger. Owen made some jokes with the three of them in the car and had some laughs until the call ended.
“It gives me a small level of comfort,” Owen said. “When you think about it, they were probably laughing when the accident happened. They were happy.”
Following Owen, the next speaker was Michael’s girlfriend, Cate Bishop (11), who spoke about their relationship and shared a heartfelt message with the crowd.
“I ask you to take every opportunity you have to deepen connections with the people around you,” Bishop said.
Jake’s cousin, Ryan Curtis (12), then stepped forward to share a childhood memory of hunting for four-leaf clovers with Jake. He gave a story about how as kids, he and Jake would go to a lake by his house and visit a spot with many clovers, to look for a four-leaf clover. After Jake’s passing, Ryan returned to that spot, wishing for a sign from him.
”Maybe six or seven clovers were left, and right in the middle was a four-leaf clover,” Curtis said. “I just think that was Jake telling me he was okay and that I’m going to be okay and that he loves me.”
Other speeches were given by Alex’s younger brother Henry, Jake’s family, many more friends, and teammates. Each speech was filled with tears, and with some laughs. Tarkan Ezal (11) reminisced about skipping swim practice with Jake.
After the speeches finished, teammates of Jake, Alex, and Michael from the DPHS began the candle-lighting ceremony, led by Senior Class President Hanalora Abel (12). Slowly, a few flames turned to hundreds and then more than 1,000. A warm glow was cast across the theater.
Though their lives were cut short, the memories and moments they leave behind in friendships, family, and the community as a whole will forever be remembered in the hearts of these students’ friends, families, and the DPHS community.
