(FOX 5/KUSI) — All eastbound lanes of a stretch of I-8 in central San Diego remained closed Tuesday morning after a crash the night before killed a La Mesa police officer and another driver.
Officials said that shortly before 10:30 p.m., a vehicle overturned in the eastbound lanes near Fairmount Avenue and was hit by another vehicle.
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According to La Mesa police, Officer Lauren Craven stopped to help.
California Highway Patrol Captain Reggie Williams said that a third vehicle struck Craven and the driver of the first vehicle, killing both.
“This is a very tragic situation and it’s very difficult for all involved,” Williams said. “My heartfelt condolences are with the La Mesa Police Department, our fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement, as well as with the family and loved ones of the other individual who tragically lost their life in this incident.”
La Mesa police said Craven was 25 and had joined the La Mesa Police Department in February 2024.
The CHP took over the investigation and said the eastbound lanes of I-8 would remain closed for several hours into Tuesday morning.
The cause of the first crash is unknown.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.



