What started as an ordinary September evening for two athletes from Cal State Fullerton turned into a nightmare that would deeply affect the entire university — ultimately taking the life of one of its most promising young stars.
Lauren Turner, a 19-year-old sophomore and exceptional defensive midfielder for the Titans women’s soccer team, passed away on November 7, nearly six weeks after she and her teammate Ashlyn Gwynn were hit by a box truck while riding electric scooters close to campus, as reported by the Fullerton Police Department.
The accident left both athletes with severe injuries and sent shockwaves through the CSUF community.
Turner never regained consciousness.
Her grieving family shared the devastating news in a GoFundMe post, stating
“Early this morning, our sweet Lauren fell asleep in the Lord. Our hearts are broken, and our family is forever changed. We will miss her beyond measure, yet we take great comfort in knowing she is now in the loving embrace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
A promising young athlete
Those who knew Lauren describe her as a teammate who brightened every room and made every practice more enjoyable. Her family’s statement reflected that spirit:
“Lauren approached everything she did with heart and joy. She was funny, full of life, and had a talent for making people laugh and feel comfortable… Her teammates and coaches have shared countless stories of her positivity, humor, competitiveness, and leadership – reminders of the light she brought both on and off the field.”
Her influence on the Titans program was immediate. She participated in all 20 matches during her freshman year and was already a key starter in her sophomore season before the accident.
Her team echoed that legacy:
Lauren was the most hilarious, charming, and caring teammate anyone could wish for… The influence she had on the Titans women’s soccer program is beyond measure. Everyone will miss her dearly, but her Titan family will always remember her. We love you, Lauren, our No. 5 Forever.
The night everything changed
On September 27, Turner and Gwynn were riding electric scooters around 7 p.m. on Associated Road near campus, on their way to a CSUF men’s soccer match when a box truck in the same lane hit them.
According to the police, the players were riding without helmets, and initial reports suggested that alcohol and drugs were not involved.
Both scooters were left wrecked in the street as investigators tried to piece together how this tragedy happened.
“When we heard about this incident, a part of me died,” leadership coach Ali Malaekeh told CBS.
Turner suffered severe head injuries and was taken to the ICU, where she stayed in a coma until she passed away. Gwynn, who was also critically hurt, spent a month in the ICU before being transferred to a step-down unit.
A new safety measure
Her family described her recovery as nothing less than miraculous:
“We are witnessing a miracle in her healing.”
However, they recognize that she has a long road to recovery ahead, which will include physical, occupational, speech, and swallow therapy. Doctors anticipate 1–2 years of continuous rehabilitation.
After the tragedy, Cal State Fullerton head coach Demian Brown introduced a new safety measure that he hopes will protect every athlete in the future: a mandatory helmet rule for all players riding electric scooters.
Brown mentioned that this decision reflects a growing trend among college programs across the country:
“So many schools, so many programs have started their own helmet policies for their teams,” Brown explained.
He emphasized that the aim is straightforward — to make sure no team has to go through a loss like this again:
“If anything can come from this, if we can do something to prevent this from happening elsewhere.
A campus in mourning
The loss of Turner has left her teammates and the entire Titan community heartbroken. Throughout the season, players wore special wristbands that said “LT5 – AG7” to honor both of their injured teammates.
At the same time, donations keep coming in. Turner’s GoFundMe has gone over $105,000, while Gwynn’s fundraiser is close to $66,000.
Lauren Turner was not just an amazing athlete; she was someone who brought people together, cheered others on, made everyone laugh, and was a true friend whose spirit lifted those around her.
Her family expressed it perfectly:
“Her laughter was a reflection of the joy God placed in her heart.”
The pain of her absence is hard to put into words, but her spirit — her energy, kindness, and leadership — will be remembered in the stands, on the field, and in the hearts of everyone who loved her for many years to come.
