A 25-year-old La Mesa police officer and a driver were killed when they were struck by an oncoming vehicle while the officer was assisting two motorists involved in a traffic collision on the freeway, authorities announced Tuesday.
Around 10:25 p.m. Monday, Officer Lauren Craven stopped to assist a person whose vehicle had overturned, then both were fatally struck by a third vehicle on eastbound Interstate 8 at Fairmount Avenue, according to the La Mesa Police Department.
Craven was pronounced dead at the scene.
"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 CHP Border Communications Center stands with her family, friends & fellow officers during this difficult time," the CHP said in a statement.
Craven joined the department in February 2024, and was assigned to the Patrol Division.
No further information regarding the other drivers involved was immediately available.
It was unclear why the vehicle had overturned, but the CHP was handling the investigation.
"The La Mesa Police Department would like to thank our allied agencies for their 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 department said.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Officer Lauren Craven of the La Mesa Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty while aiding motorists," San Diego civil rights advocate Shane Harris said in a statement issued Tuesday.
"Her bravery and service exemplify the highest ideals of law enforcement. My office extends our sincere condolences to Officer Craven's family, friends, and the La Mesa Police Department during this difficult time," Harris continued.
A full freeway closure was in effect Tuesday morning on eastbound Interstate 8, with all eastbound traffic diverted to southbound Interstate 15 due to the late-night crash. Traffic in both directions of Interstate 15 to eastbound I- 8 was being diverted off at Fairmount Avenue and Montezuma Road.
