Investigators sought Tuesday to determine what led to a late-night College Area freeway accident that killed a young La Mesa police officer and a motorist she was assisting at the scene of an earlier crash.
Officer Lauren Craven, who turned 25 two weeks ago, was aiding a driver whose car had overturned on the eastbound side of the freeway at Fairmount Avenue in San Diego when another vehicle struck them shortly before 10:30 p.m. Monday, according to the La Mesa Police Department.
Craven, who joined the LMPD in February 2024 and was assigned to its patrol unit, died at the scene, as did the driver involved in the initial crash.
The name of the deceased motorist — reportedly a 19-year-old man — was not immediately available, and as of late Tuesday afternoon authorities had not released information regarding the person whose vehicle struck Craven and the other victim.
Craven's untimely death prompted profuse expressions of sorrow and support from the agency she served, as well as from other area law enforcement officials and community leaders.
"On behalf of the entire La Mesa Police Department, I want to offer my deepest condolences to Lauren's family and friends," LMPD Chief Ray Sweeney during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. "We grieve with you, and we will stand with you in the days and years to come."
Sweeney described Craven, a 2023 Loyola Marymount University graduate who had spent most of her early life in Oregon, as "a light."
"Her positivity was immediate and genuine," he said. "Whether helping a colleague, answering a stranger's question or stepping up into a difficult case that she was working, she led with compassion, courage and professionalism."
During Craven's hiring process, Sweeney told reporters, she wrote, "It has always been my passion to serve others, and there has never been a doubt in my mind that being a law enforcement officer is what I was meant to do."
"That's who Lauren was, and that's how she served and how she will be remembered," the chief said. "She was tenacious and resilient."
Other area law enforcement officials offered their condolences to the young officer's loved ones and colleagues as well.
"Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, who tragically lost her life late Monday night while serving others," the California Highway Patrol stated. "The CHP Border Communications Center stands with her family, friends and fellow officers during this difficult time."
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office likewise lamented the "heartbreaking loss" of the young officer.
"Officer Craven's bravery and dedication to serving others exemplify the highest values of law enforcement. ... Her courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten," the agency stated.
Gov. Gavin Newsom also expressed his and his wife's sorrow over Craven's death in the line of duty.
"Officer Craven served her community with pride and dedication," Newsom said. "Jennifer and I are heartbroken by her loss and the significant impact her passing leaves on the larger San Diego community. We join her family, friends, and fellow officers in mourning. May her memory never be forgotten."
Flags at the state Capitol will be flown at half-staff in honor of Craven, the governor said.
San Diego civil-rights advocate Shane Harris said he and his colleagues were "deeply saddened by the tragic loss" of Craven.
"Her bravery and service exemplify the highest ideals of law enforcement," Harris stated. "My office extends our sincere condolences to Officer Craven's family, friends and the La Mesa Police Department during this difficult time."
The LMPD issued a statement thanking the public for its "unwavering support."
"We ask that the La Mesa community keep Officer Craven, her family and the La Mesa Police Department in their thoughts and prayers," the agency stated.
The eastbound lanes of I-8 remained closed through the morning Tuesday for investigation of the accident, with traffic diverted to southbound Interstate 15. Motorists traveling on I-15 to eastbound I-8 were detoured to Fairmount Avenue and Montezuma Road.
All the affected lanes were open again as of shortly before 1 p.m., the CHP advised.
