A 25-year-old La Mesa Police Officer has tragically lost her life while selflessly helping victims of a car crash on Interstate 8 in San Diego.
Lauren Craven had been with the La Mesa Police Department for just over a year when the devastating accident occurred on Monday, October 23, 2024.
Craven, who was on duty and driving back from the San Diego Central Jail, was the first to respond when she came upon a serious crash involving multiple vehicles.
A Heroic Act in the Face of Danger
As reported by the Fox affiliate KUSI-TV, the crash involved a chain-reaction that included a car that had overturned and other vehicles that collided as a result.
Witnesses say Craven immediately pulled over her patrol car and rushed to assist the people involved.
While trying to provide aid, a driver, traveling at high speed, collided with Craven and the driver of the overturned vehicle, killing both instantly.
Despite receiving life-saving efforts at the scene, Craven was declared dead.
Remembering Lauren Craven
Craven’s dedication to public service was evident in every aspect of her life. Joining the La Mesa Police Department in February 2024, she was known for her passion for helping others, an attribute that was apparent even in her final moments.
The La Mesa Police Department honored Craven’s sacrifice, stating: “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 described her as a brave, compassionate officer whose legacy of service and sacrifice would never be forgotten.
"Officer Craven was known for her tenacity, courage, and compassion—qualities that inspired her peers and strengthened her community," they added.
Before pursuing a career in law enforcement, she had always felt a calling to serve others, as reflected in a message she wrote during her hiring process: "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."
Her tragic death was deeply felt across Southern California, with many reflecting on her positive and genuine personality.
"Her positivity was immediate and genuine. Whether helping a colleague, answering a stranger’s question, or stepping up into a difficult case, she led with compassion, courage, and professionalism," said La Mesa Police Chief Ray Sweeney.
A Devastating Loss for Family, Friends, and the Community
In addition to her fellow officers, Craven leaves behind a grieving family, including her mother Karen, father David, sister Margot, and her partner Miles.
The La Mesa Police Department has shared that her family is devastated by the loss of a young woman who had so much potential and was just beginning her career in law enforcement.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his sorrow at Craven’s passing, ordering flags at the California State Capitol to be flown at half-staff in her honor.
"Officer Craven served her community with pride and dedication. Jennifer and I are heartbroken by her loss and the significant impact her passing leaves on the larger San Diego community," Newsom said.
He added that the state would join Craven’s family, friends, and fellow officers in mourning her loss, and that her memory would never be forgotten.
Family members have identified the other individual who tragically lost their life in the crash as 19-year-old De’Veonte Morris, per KNSD-TV.
His loved ones described him as caring, loving, and respectful, and the community mourns the loss of a young man who, like Officer Craven, had his life cut short.
Morris was one of the two drivers involved in the original crash that Craven responded to.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.