Overview
- Officials said a vehicle overturned in the eastbound lanes near Fairmount Avenue shortly before 10:30 p.m. and was then struck by another car.
- La Mesa Police identified the officer as Lauren Craven, 25, who joined the department in February 2024.
- Craven stopped to assist at the scene when a third vehicle struck her and the driver from the first crash, killing both, according to the CHP.
- CHP closed all eastbound lanes of I-8 for several hours into Tuesday morning to preserve the scene and lead the investigation.
- CHP Captain Reggie Williams offered condolences and noted that investigators have not determined what caused the initial crash.