San Diego, CA — A 25-year-old La Mesa police officer was struck and killed while assisting victims of a deadly multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 8 late Sunday night. Authorities say Officer Lauren L. Craven was returning from duty when she stopped to help motorists involved in a rollover accident.
According to investigators, the incident occurred just before 10:30 p.m. on October 20, 2025, about five miles west of La Mesa. Officer Craven had been driving back from the San Diego Central Jail when she came across the wreckage blocking the highway.
Officer Killed While Aiding Crash Victims
Officials said Craven immediately reported the crash over the radio before stepping out of her patrol car to check on the overturned vehicle. Moments later, she was struck by another car, triggering a chain reaction that involved several of the vehicles from the initial crash.
The driver of the first overturned car was identified as 19-year-old De’Veonte Morris, who died at the scene. Other victims from the collisions were transported to nearby hospitals.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the initial crash, which remains unclear.
Remembered for Her Final Act of Compassion
The La Mesa Police Department confirmed Craven’s death in a public statement, praising her courage and dedication to service.
“Officer Craven’s actions in her final moments exemplified her unwavering dedication to service and the safety of others — a reflection of how she lived every day,” the department wrote on Facebook. “She was known for her tenacity, courage, and compassion — qualities that inspired her peers and strengthened her community.”
According to The New York Post, Craven had recently celebrated her 25th birthday on October 7 and was known by colleagues as a selfless and determined officer who always prioritized helping others.
Inspired by Personal Trauma to Serve
Craven’s father, David Craven, told ABC10 San Diego that his daughter chose a career in law enforcement after surviving a traumatic assault in college. She was inspired by the detective who treated her with empathy during the investigation.
“Lauren thought so much of the difference between those two that she said right then and there, ‘I want to dedicate my life to being that good cop for anybody who needs me,’” her father said.
He described his daughter as driven by compassion and resilience.
“I thought, ‘Damn, you just turned your biggest fear into a source of motivation. Nothing’s gonna stop you,’ and it didn’t,” he said.
Craven joined the La Mesa Police Department in February 2024 after completing the police academy twice to achieve her dream of becoming an officer.
“Born to Do What She Loved”
Police Chief Ray Sweeney called her death a heartbreaking loss for the department and the city.
“It has always been my passion to serve others and there has never been a doubt in my mind being a law enforcement officer is what I was meant to do,” Craven once wrote during her hiring process.
“That’s who Lauren was and that’s how she served and how she will be remembered,” Chief Sweeney said at a press conference.
A Father’s Pain and Pride
Craven’s father recalled speaking to her just hours before her death, as she drove to work from their home in Oregon.
“It’s gonna be hard for a long time, but I want people to know what was in Lauren’s heart and the compassion that she showed everybody she came in contact with,” he said.
He described the devastating moment when Oregon police arrived at his home in the middle of the night to deliver the news.
“They said, ‘Can we come inside?’ And I said, ‘Is this about my daughter Lauren?’ He said, ‘Yeah.’ I said, ‘Is she dead?’ They said, ‘Unfortunately, yes.’ So where do you go from there?”
Despite his grief, he shared pride in the legacy his daughter left behind.
“Had she failed that test, I’d still have her,” he said. “But she would not have achieved her dream. A lot of people never get to a place where they’re loving what they’re doing and doing what they seem to be born to do. She did.”
Highway Shut Down for Investigation
The highway remained closed for several hours overnight as first responders cleared the scene and investigators from the California Highway Patrol reconstructed the events that led to both crashes.
Officer Craven’s final act — stopping to help others — is now being remembered by colleagues and community members as a lasting symbol of courage and selflessness.
What are your thoughts on Officer Craven’s sacrifice and her dedication to serving others? Share your views in the comments below.
