Solemn procession for Officer Lauren Craven winds through San Diego

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Hundreds of people lined the streets of San Diego on Thursday morning to honor Officer Lauren Craven, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this week.

The somber procession made its way through the city to El Camino Memorial Park in Sorrento Valley, as residents stood silently on sidewalks and overpasses, many holding flags or placing hands over their hearts.

“Just feel so heartbroken, you know, for the loss,” said Maria Martinez, one of many community members who gathered to pay their respects.

Craven, 25, was a La Mesa police officer who died Monday night while trying to help victims of a chain-reaction crash on Interstate 8. Authorities say she stopped to render aid when another car drove into the scene, fatally striking her.

“You’re not even highway patrol, and you stopped and gave your life for something you didn’t even have to,” said family friend Paula Griswold. “That’s who she was.”

Friends and colleagues described Craven as compassionate, determined and dedicated to her dream of serving others.

“She was the sweetest person ever — she would always be there for you,” said Armando Araujo, who attended the police academy with her. “She got her dream of becoming a police officer.”

Her father, David Craven, said his daughter decided early in college that she wanted to make a difference after a personal experience with law enforcement.

“Lauren decided right then and there that she wanted to become a good cop,” he said. “It wasn’t easy, but she refused to fail.”

Craven joined the La Mesa Police Department in February 2024. Her father said she found confidence and happiness in her work, inspiring everyone around her.

Funeral arrangements are still being finalized, but David Craven said the family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from the community and law enforcement agencies across the region.