Lompoc Health Welcomes Back Dr. Hafez Nasr After Recovery from Serious Accident

We’re grateful to share that Lompoc Health’s Dr. Hafez Nasr has returned to work, four months after being critically injured in a head-on collision on Highway 1. His remarkable strength and resilience throughout his recovery have been truly inspiring and we are honored to welcome him back.

Dr. Nasr and his wife, Saghar Golpayegani, were hit head-on while driving northbound on Highway 1 near San Julian Ranch in a collision that claimed the lives of three teenagers from Goleta and Santa Barbara.

Dr. Nasr, who is working part-time now while he continues to recover, was greeted this week at his North H Center primary care office with a “Welcome Back” sign, balloons and gift baskets. Colleagues stopped by throughout the day of his return to say hello and check on his well-being.

“Everybody is coming by and wishing me the best,” he said. “It’s nice to get out of the house and just try to do something I enjoy doing, kind of having a normality to life, which you miss when everything is upended."

He said he is easing back into his work, working part-time for now. He relies on a cane for mobility due to his ankle injury and has lost weight.

“We’re hoping to slowly get back to somewhat of normal activities; we’re hoping in the next few months that will happen,” said Dr. Nasr, who previously served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and was stationed for a time at Vandenberg Air Force Base with the 30th Medical Group.

Dr. and Mrs. Nasr were severely injured in the May 18 collision as they were returning home to Lompoc, while the teens were leaving Jalama Beach and heading south. The couple both underwent several surgeries in the first few weeks.

Dr. Nasr sustained a serious right elbow fracture, right ankle compound fracture, nose and orbital socket fractures, “burst” fractures in his spine and more.

“I don’t have full range of motion in my elbow,” he noted. “It doesn’t hurt. For the most part, I can do the things I need to do. It’s not affecting me in daily things. I’m hoping my ankle gets back to normal. I have Physical Therapy twice a week, and otherwise I do exercises at home.”

He said his wife of 26 years is recovering faster than he expected, which he added was “a good surprise.”

Their two children, both in college, have “taken it very well” and offered a tremendous amount of help during the recovery period, he said.

After the accident, Dr. Nasr noted that he and his wife were resilient and were counting their blessings.

And we at LVMC are thankful for his recovery and return to Lompoc Health.