LA MESA, CA — Two people were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 8 in San Diego, including a police officer who stopped to help motorists, authorities announced Tuesday.
The crash was reported shortly before 10:30 p.m. Monday on Interstate 8 near Fairmount Avenue in San Diego, according to the La Mesa Police Department. La Mesa police Officer Lauren Craven saw the crash and stopped to assist the motorists when she was struck by an oncoming vehicle.
“California Highway Patrol officers performed lifesaving efforts, but tragically, Officer Craven died at the scene,” the department said in a news release.
CHP officials told 10News that a driver involved in the collision also died at the scene.
The CHP was handling the investigation.
Craven joined the department in February 2024 and was assigned to the patrol division. She was 25 years old.
“The La Mesa Police Department would like to thank our allied agencies for their unwavering support,” the department said. “We ask that the La Mesa community keep Officer Craven, her family, and the La Mesa Police Department in their thoughts and prayers.”