A 25-year-old California police officer was tragically killed in the line of duty after being struck by a vehicle while assisting motorists involved in a crash, authorities confirmed.

According to a statement from the City of La Mesa, Officer Lauren Craven was driving eastbound on Interstate 8 near Fairmount Avenue around 10:24 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, when she stopped to help two drivers who had been in a collision.

While rendering aid at the scene, Craven was hit by another vehicle. Emergency crews responded immediately, but she later succumbed to her injuries.

The La Mesa Police Department said Craven was acting selflessly to protect and assist others at the time of the crash, calling her death a devastating loss for the department and the community she served.

“While assisting the motorists, Officer Craven was struck by an oncoming vehicle. California Highway Patrol officers performed lifesaving efforts, but tragically, Officer Craven died at the scene,” the release said per PEOPLE.

The La Mesa Police Department confirmed the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post, noting that Officer Craven was on her way back to La Mesa from San Diego Central Jail when the tragic incident took place.

The La Mesa Police Force wrote:

“It is with deep sorrow that we share the tragic loss of La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, who was killed in the line of duty late Monday night.”

“Officer Craven’s actions in her final moments exemplified her unwavering dedication to service and the safety of others—a reflection of how she lived every day.”

“Officer Craven was known for her tenacity, courage, and compassion—qualities that inspired her peers and strengthened her community. We ask that you keep her family, friends, and the members of the La Mesa Police Department in your prayers as they navigate this profound loss. Her legacy of service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

According to the City of La Mesa, Officer Craven joined the department in February 2024 and was serving in the Patrol Division.

The department added that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is leading the investigation and noted that no additional details about the other individuals involved have been released at this time.

Officer Lauren Craven’s father, David Craven, spoke with ABC 10News San Diego from their hometown of Bend, Oregon, sharing a heartfelt tribute to his late daughter, who had just celebrated her 25th birthday on October 7.

He said he wanted people to know about Lauren’s compassion and kind heart, recalling how two Bend police officers delivered the tragic news in the middle of the night.

David explained that Lauren was inspired to become a police officer after being helped by a caring detective when she was assaulted in college — an experience that motivated her to “be that good cop for anyone who needs me.”

Remembering her as more than a daughter, he described Lauren as his “best friend.”