Bend native, La Mesa officer killed in San Diego County crash remembered for kindness and service
Kelsey Merison
(Update: Adding new information about crash, Officer Craven)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A tragic crash in Southern California has claimed the life of a Bend native who was serving as a police officer with the La Mesa Police Department near San Diego.
Authorities say Officer Lauren Craven, 25, was killed Monday night while assisting at the scene of a multi-vehicle collision in San Diego County. The California Highway Patrol said Officer Lauren Craven stopped her patrol car to help others involved in an earlier crash when another driver struck her vehicle and several others.
“While outside of their patrol vehicle, another vehicle struck the La Mesa PD officer as well as the other vehicles involved in the crash,” California Highway Patrol Captain Reggie Williams said. “Unfortunately, the La Mesa PD officer lost their life during this tragic crash.”
The investigation remains ongoing. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers said they are reviewing all factors leading up to the deadly collision, but reminded drivers to slow down and move over when they see flashing lights on the roadside — a state law designed to protect emergency personnel and those they assist.
Lauren Craven grew up in Bend and graduated from Summit High School in 2019. While in high school, she worked at the local Ben & Jerry’s and a Chevron station where she was known for her friendly energy. Former counselors at Summit said Lauren always wore the biggest smile and was uniquely kind.
According to the La Mesa Police Department, Lauren Craven joined the agency within the past few years and quickly became known for her professionalism and compassion both on duty and off. The city of La Mesa and law enforcement agencies across San Diego County have expressed condolences and lowered flags in her honor.
The CHP said the chain-reaction crash involved multiple vehicles on the eastbound side of I-8, near the community of Alpine. Video from the scene showed heavy damage to several cars and emergency units blocking the roadway for hours while investigators collected evidence.
Authorities said they have not yet determined what caused the initial crash that Officer Lauren Craven stopped to assist with. Toxicology results and witness statements are part of the ongoing investigation.
In light of the tragedy, highway officials again urged drivers to obey California and Oregon’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to change lanes or slow to a safe speed when approaching stopped emergency or service vehicles displaying flashing lights.
We will continue to keep you updated on this developing story.
Earlier story — SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KTVZ) — 25-year-old Lauren Craven, who graduated from Summit High School in Bend in 2019, was killed while in the line of duty Monday evening in San Diego-neighborhood Grantville.
According to our NBC News affiliate station, NBC 7 in San Diego, “As a car was traveling east on I-8, it hit another car, then overturned in the lanes and was struck by another car. A La Mesa police officer, who was on duty, saw the crash and got out of their car to render aid, when another car hit the officer, as well as the other cars. Then, a second car hit all of the vehicles, California Highway Patrol Cpt. Reggie Williams said. CHP confirmed two people are dead, including the officer and the person who initially crashed.”
NBC 7 also stated a total of five cars were involved and the other victims were transported to local hospitals.
The La Mesa Police Department said Craven joined the department in February of 2024.
“We ask that the La Mesa community keep Officer Craven, her family, and the La Mesa Police Department in their thoughts and prayers,” La Mesa Lt. Travis Higgins said in a release.
KTVZ News also would appreciate hearing from friends of Craven who can help us tell her story. You can reach Claire at claire.elmer@ktvz.com and the newsroom at stories@ktvz.com.