Cal State Fullerton soccer standout Lauren Turner has passed away after six weeks in the ICU following a devastating e-scooter crash. Discover how her campus, family, and teammates are honoring her memory.
College Soccer Star Dies Six Weeks After Tragic Scooter Crash — A Campus Mourns, A Family Grieves, and a Community Reflects
A bright young life and a promising soccer career were cut tragically short. Lauren Turner, a 19-year-old sophomore on the Cal State Fullerton women’s soccer team, died on November 7, nearly six weeks after suffering life-threatening head trauma in a shocking e-scooter accident. People.com+2Los Angeles Times+2
How It Happened
On the evening of September 27, Lauren and her teammate Ashlyn Gwynn were riding electric scooters near the Cal State Fullerton campus, returning from a men’s soccer game. Los Angeles Times+2CBS News+2
According to reports, both young women were struck by a box truck while riding in the same lane. CBS News+1
Tragically, neither was wearing a helmet at the time. Los Angeles Times
The Battle That Followed
Lauren was rushed to the hospital and spent almost six weeks in the Intensive Care Unit, fighting for her life. AOL+1
Her condition eventually led to her being moved into hospice care, where her family prayed and hoped for a miracle. People.com+1
Meanwhile, her teammate Gwynn also suffered critical injuries. After weeks in the ICU, she was later moved to a step-down medical unit and began her long road to recovery. Newsner English+1
Remembering Lauren
Lauren wasn’t just a talented soccer player — she was also known for her kindness, humor, and leadership. Los Angeles Times
Her teammates said she was “the first to celebrate other people’s wins.” FOX 11 Los Angeles+1
Her coaches and friends described her as “charismatic,” “loving,” and a force of positivity on and off the field. Newsner English
Lauren played in all 20 matches during her freshman year and had already started in most games in her second season. newser.com+1
A Campus in Mourning
News of her death hit the Cal State Fullerton community hard. FOX 11 Los Angeles
To honor her, a candlelight vigil was held at Titan Stadium. ABC7 Los Angeles
Students, teammates, and coaches gathered to remember her “immeasurable impact.” People.com
A Call for Safety
In response to the tragedy, the head coach of the soccer team, Demian Brown, has made helmet use mandatory for all players riding electric scooters or e-bikes. Newsner English
He said he hopes this new rule will prevent any other team from experiencing the kind of heartbreak his squad now endures. Newsner English
Family’s Message
Lauren’s family shared a heartfelt statement, saying:
“Our hearts are broken, and our family is forever changed. We will miss her beyond measure.” Los Angeles Times
They expressed comfort in their faith, believing she is now “in the loving embrace of our Lord and Savior.” FOX 11 Los Angeles+1
Why This Matters
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Student safety: The tragedy highlights the danger of riding e-scooters without proper protection.
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Community impact: Lauren’s death unites the campus and wider community in grief — but also in commitment to change.
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Legacy: Despite her short life, Lauren’s joy, leadership, and love left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.