La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, 25, was killed on Monday night while assisting at a crash scene on Interstate 8, along with De’Veonte Morris, 19. The incident occurred as Craven was returning to the city of La Mesa from San Diego Central Jail, where she had been working since her appointment with the department in February 2024.
According to a Facebook post from the La Mesa Police Department, Craven came upon the collision on eastbound Interstate 8 at Fairmont Avenue. After exiting her vehicle to assist, she was tragically struck and killed by another motorist. The department expressed profound grief over the loss, noting that Craven was known for her tenacity, courage, and compassion—qualities that inspired her peers and strengthened her community.
Following the tragic incident, the California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the initial crash that led to the chain reaction. Four others were injured in the collision, with one remaining hospitalized as of Tuesday afternoon. The department’s chief, Ray Sweeney, emphasized the profound impact of the tragedy, stating,