Particle.news
Download on the App Store

La Mesa Officer Lauren Craven, 25, Killed While Aiding on I-8 in Chain Crash That Left Two Dead

CHP is probing the cause after eastbound lanes were shut for hours.

Overview

  • Authorities say the late-night collision near Fairmount Avenue began around 10:25 p.m. Monday when two cars crashed and one overturned in the eastbound lanes.
  • CHP Capt. Reggie Williams said subsequent impacts followed, and a later-arriving vehicle struck Officer Lauren Craven and the overturned car’s driver, killing both.
  • Investigators reported five vehicles were ultimately involved, multiple people were injured, and the cause of the initial overturn remains under investigation.
  • Eastbound I-8 was fully closed with traffic diverted to I-15 through Tuesday morning, and the freeway reopened by about 1 p.m.
  • Craven had joined La Mesa police in February 2024 as a patrol officer, officials issued condolences, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags lowered, and CHP urged drivers to slow down and move over when they see lights.