Officer Lauren Craven, age 25, of the La Mesa Police Department, was tragically struck

On the night of Monday, October 20, 2025, Officer Lauren Craven, 25, of the La Mesa Police Department, was tragically killed while helping at the scene of a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 8 near Fairmount Avenue in San Diego County, California.

The incident began when two vehicles collided, leaving one overturned in the eastbound lanes. Shortly after, a third car struck the overturned vehicle, killing its 19-year-old driver at the scene.

Officer Craven, who was returning from duty at the San Diego Central Jail, came upon the accident and stopped to offer assistance, even though she had not been dispatched to the scene.

While she was helping the victims, another vehicle crashed into the site, hitting Officer Craven and several others. A fifth car became involved moments later. Both Officer Craven and the 19-year-old driver were pronounced dead at the scene.

The California Highway Patrol launched an investigation to determine the sequence of events and whether speed, distraction, or impairment played a role in the fatal collisions.

Officer Craven, who joined the La Mesa Police Department in February 2024, was remembered as a dedicated and compassionate officer. Her father shared that she was inspired to join law enforcement after surviving an assault in college and being helped by a detective.

In the aftermath, Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags to fly at half-staff, and tributes poured in from across the state. Her death also renewed calls to observe the Move Over Law, reminding drivers to slow down and change lanes for emergency responders.