Officer Lauren Craven, age 25, of the La Mesa Police Department, was tragically struck
On the evening of October 20, 2025, Officer Lauren Craven of the La Mesa Police Department was tragically killed. The 25-year-old officer was struck while assisting at a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 8 in San Diego County.
The initial incident involved two vehicles, one of which overturned. A third vehicle then struck the overturned car, resulting in the death of its 19-year-old male driver.
Officer Craven came upon the scene while returning from duty. Although not dispatched, she stopped her patrol car to render aid to those involved in the crash.
While she was helping, another vehicle approached and collided with the crash scene. This secondary impact struck Officer Craven and others. A fifth car also became involved, and Officer Craven was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officer Craven had joined the La Mesa Police Department in February 2024. Colleagues remembered her as a tenacious, compassionate, and courageous officer dedicated to community service.
Her father shared that she was inspired to pursue law enforcement after surviving an assault in college. She wanted to help others in the same way a detective had once helped her.
The La Mesa Police Department hailed her actions as heroic. Her death prompted tributes from across the region and renewed calls for drivers to obey the Move Over law to protect first responders.
