Officer Lauren Craven, 25, of the La Mesa Police Department, was tragically hit and killed while helping at the site of a multi-vehicle incident on Interstate 8 near Fairmount Avenue in San Diego County, California, on the night of Monday, October 20, 2025, at about 10:30 p.m.
At first, the incident included two cars, one of which flipped over and landed on its roof in the eastbound lanes. Subsequently, a third car collided with the overturned car, resulting in the death of the 19-year-old male driver.
Officer Craven was coming back from her shift at the San Diego Central Jail when she saw the incident and stopped her patrol car to help. Even though she hadn’t been sent to the location, she got out of her car to help those who were involved.
While she was helping, another car came up and crashed into the scene, hitting Officer Craven and others close by. After the crash, a fifth car got involved. The site found both Officer Craven and the 19-year-old driver of the overturned car dead.
The California Highway Patrol investigated the series of crashes and identified the driver or drivers responsible for the subsequent collisions. Authorities haven’t said yet if impairment, distraction, or going too fast were factors.
About Lauren Craven, the Officer
In February 2024, Officer Lauren Craven became a patrol officer with the La Mesa Police Department. She had just turned 25 a few weeks before she died.
People who worked with her said she was a strong, caring, and brave young officer who was very dedicated to helping others in her community. People knew her for her pleasant attitude and willingness to serve others, even when she wasn’t on the job.
Lauren’s father stated that her desire to become a police officer stemmed from an attack she experienced during her college years. This made her want to help others the same way a detective helped her.
The next events and the community’s reaction are unclear.
The La Mesa Police Department said they were truly sorry about her death and called her last deeds “selfless and heroic.”
In her honor, Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the flags at the California State Capitol to fly at half-staff.
People in the San Diego area, including public officials, police, and community members, paid respect to Officer Craven’s bravery and service. Her tragedy also brought back public reminders of how important the Move Over Law is.
This law mandates that cars must reduce their speed and, when deemed safe, switch lanes to accommodate emergency or service vehicles that have stopped.
More Information
The incident led to the complete closure of the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8 near Fairmount Avenue overnight for investigation and cleanup. The freeway opened up again the next day about 1 p.m.
Officer Craven was one of many first responders and good Samaritans who stopped to help. Although some of them sustained injuries, their details remain undisclosed.
The La Mesa Police Department and the City of La Mesa are planning a memorial for her.