La Mesa Police officer killed while aiding motorists after collision on I-8

By Miriam Raftery, with additional reporting by Karen Pearlman

Photo: LMPD Officer Lauren Craven, courtesy of La Mesa Police

Updated Oct. 21, 4 p.m. with comments from Chief Ray Sweeney,  City Manager Greg Humora, and Governor Gavin Newsom

October 21, 2025 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, 25, was struck and killed last night after stopping to assist motorists involved in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 8 east at Fairmount Avenue at 10:24 p.m. last night.  One of the motorists also died, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officer Craven was on duty returning from Central Jail when she stopped at the scene of the crash, where one vehicle had lost struck another, then lost control and rolled over, according to the California Highway Patrol.  A third vehicle then struck the disabled vehicle, 10 News reports.

The CHP told 10 News that after LMPD Officer Craven got out of her vehicle to assist the motorists, she was struck by an oncoming vehicle, after which a fifth vehicle struck those involved in the original crash.

According to the CHP, a La Mesa Police officer stopped at the scene and got out to help when she was hit by an oncoming vehicle. Another vehicle then struck the vehicles involved in the initial crash.

“California Highway Patrol officers performed lifesaving efforts, but tragically, Officer Craven died at the scene,” a press release from La Mesa Police states.

Craven joined the department in February 2024 and was assigned to the Patrol Division. She was 25 years old.

Photo, right:  Crash scene, via ECM news partner 10 News

At a press conference held Tuesday afternoon at La Mesa Police Department headquarters, Police Chief Ray Sweeney said that before moving to San Diego, Craven spent most of her life in Oregon, "where she developed her love for the outdoors and her habit of staying close and connected with her family and friends."

Sweeney said Craven is survived by her mother, Karen, her father David, her sister, Margo and her partner Miles. No last names were provided by the city of La Mesa.

"On behalf of the entire La Mesa Police Department, I want to offer my deepest condolences to Lauren's family and friends," Sweeney said. "We grieve with you, we will stand with you in the days and years to come. We didn't just lose an officer, we lost a beloved daughter, sister, girlfriend, teammate and friend."

Sweeney described Craven as "a light."

"Her positivity was immediate and genuine," the chief said. "Whether helping a colleague answering a stranger’s question or stepping up into a difficult case that she was working, she led with compassion courage and professionalism."

Craven's LinkedIn page shows her attending University of Redlands and graduating from Loyola Marymount University with a bachelor's degree in international relations.

She  previously worked as a childcare provider in San Diego. Central Oregon Daily News reported that she was a 2019 graduate of Summit HIgh School in Bend, Ore.

On Facebook, the La Mesa Police Dept. posted, "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.

A man kneels to pray at La Mesa Police Department headquarters after leaving flowers for LMPD Officer Lauren Craven, who was killed helping others along Interstate 8 on Monday night. (Photo, left, by Karen Pearlman)

"Officer Craven was known for her tenacity, courage, and compassion — qualities that inspired her peers and strengthened her community. We ask that you keep her family, friends, and the members of the La Mesa Police Department in your prayers as they navigate this profound loss."

The California Highway Patrol is handling the investigation, which caused shutdown of I-8 east. The freeway reopened around 1 p.m, according to an SDSU alert.

No further information regarding the other parties involved is available at this time.

The city of La Mesa put out a press release on Tuesday afternoon that said the city is mourning the loss of Officer Craven, sending condolences to her family, loved ones and the entire LMPD.

Sweeney also shared at the press conference that during her hiring process, Craven wrote that it had always been her passion to serve others "and there has never been a doubt in my mind that being in law enforcement officer is what I was meant to do."

Sweeney added: "That’s what Lauren was and that’s how she served and how she’ll be remembered. She was tenacious and resilient."

La Mesa City Manager Greg Humora said "this was an incredibly difficult day for our close-knit community. When we lose someone, especially one of our own, that loss is felt by all of us."

Humora thanked the community for its caring, compasson and support, and said taking care of one another was paramount. He said that resources are available for those staff members and first responders in need.

The La Mesa Police Officers' Association (LMPOA) has launched an official "Fund a Hero" campaign to support the family of Officer Craven, with all proceeds going directly to her family.

The city noted that "this is the only official fundraising campaign organized by the LMPOA. Any other donation sites should be independently verified."

Donations can be made through the official Fund a Hero campaign.

Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered flags flown at half-mast at the State Capitol in honor of Officer Craven.

A man places flowers Tuesday afternoon at a memorial area at La Mesa Police Department headquarters honoring LMPD Officer Lauren Craven, who died Monday night as she worked to rescue motorists in a crash on Interstate 8 near Allied Gardens. (Photo, right, by Karen Pearlman)

The Governor stated, "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. We join her family, friends, and fellow officers in mourning. May her memory never be forgotten.”

Police Department Capt. Katy Lynch said that information on sesrvices for Craven would be forthcoming.