A 25-year-old La Mesa police officer and a driver were killed after being struck by an oncoming vehicle while assisting motorists involved in a previous traffic collision on eastbound Interstate 8 at Fairmount Avenue in San Diego County on Monday night, October 20, 2025.
According to the La Mesa Police Department, Officer Lauren Craven was helping a driver whose vehicle had overturned around 10:25 p.m. when both she and the driver were fatally struck by a third vehicle. Officer Craven was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officer Craven, who joined the La Mesa Police Department in February 2024, was assigned to the Patrol Division. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) expressed condolences, stating, “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.”
Details about the other drivers involved in the crash were not immediately available. The cause of the vehicle overturn remains unclear, and the CHP is handling the investigation.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
