I-8 crash claims lives of Officer Lauren Craven and teen driver

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — All eastbound lanes of a stretch of I-8 in central San Diego reopened Tuesday afternoon after a series of crashes the night before killed a La Mesa police officer and another driver.

Officials said that shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Monday, a vehicle hit another one and overturned in the eastbound lanes near Fairmount Avenue. A third vehicle then struck the overturned vehicle.

According to La Mesa police, Officer Lauren Craven was driving back to the city from the San Diego Central Jail and stopped to help, eventually exiting onto the highway on foot.

California Highway Patrol Captain Reggie Williams said that a fourth vehicle struck Craven and the driver of the overturned vehicle, killing both.

"We didn’t just lose an officer, we lost a beloved daughter, sister, girlfriend, teammate and friend," Chief Ray Sweeney of the La Mesa Police Department said in a press conference. "Lauren was a light. Her positivity was immediate and genuine. She led with compassion, courage and professionalism.”

According to authorities, the driver of the car that had overturned was identified as a 19-year-old man. His name has not yet been released.

“This is a very tragic situation and it’s very difficult for all involved,” Williams said. "My heartfelt condolences are with the La Mesa Police Department, our fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement, as well as with the family and loved ones of the other individual who tragically lost their life in this incident."

During the press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Chief Sweeney spoke about Officer Craven's genuine spirit and her passion for law enforcement and helping others.

“Lauren joined the La Mesa Police Department in February of 2024," Chief Sweeney said. "Before moving to San Diego, she spent most of her life in Oregon, where she developed a love for the outdoors and her habit of staying close and connected with her family and friends. 

“Lauren is survived by her mother Karen, her father David, sister Margot and her partner Miles.”

Chief Sweeney also recounted Officer Craven's hiring and her passion for the department.

Chief Sweeney said, "During her hiring process, she wrote: ‘It has always been my passion to serve others and there has never been a doubt in my mind that being a law enforcement officer is what I was meant to do.’”

Four other victims involved in the crash received medical treatment and three of them were released. One person remained in the hospital as of Tuesday afternoon.

City Manager Greg Humora also shared his condolences during the conference and encouraged first responders to utilize the Department's mental health services to cope with the sudden tragedy.

“This is an incredibly difficult day for our close-knit community," Humora said. "The La Mesa Police Dept has a robust and comprehensive mental health wellness program. Those resources, along with additional support, will continue to be available to our first responders in the days and weeks ahead.”

"We want our officers, firefighters, and all city staff to know that it’s okay to grieve and seek help,” Humora continued.

Information about memorial services will be released soon.

Authorities are investigating whether drugs and/or alcohol were factors in the crash. California Highway Patrol is handling the investigation.