What began as a typical September evening for two Cal State Fullerton athletes quickly turned into a nightmare that shook the entire university — and ultimately claimed the life of one of its brightest young stars.

Lauren Turner, a 19-year-old sophomore and standout defensive midfielder for the Titans women’s soccer team, passed away on November 7, nearly six weeks after she and teammate Ashlyn Gwynn were struck by a box truck while riding electric scooters near campus, the Fullerton Police Department reported.

The collision left both athletes with life-threatening injuries and sent waves of shock through the CSUF community. Lauren Turner never regained consciousness.

Her grieving family shared the heartbreaking news in a GoFundMe post:

“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 could brighten any room and lighten every practice. Her family’s statement captured her spirit:

“Lauren approached everything she did with heart and joy. She was funny, full of life, and had a gift for making people laugh and feel at ease… Her teammates and coaches have shared countless stories of her positivity, humor, competitiveness, and leadership — reminders of the light she carried both on and off the field.”

Her impact on the Titans program was immediate. She played in all 20 matches her freshman year and had already established herself as a starter in her sophomore campaign before the crash.

Her team reflected on her legacy:

“Lauren was the funniest, most charismatic, and loving teammate you could ever ask for… The impact she made on the Titans women’s soccer program is immeasurable. She will be dearly missed by everyone but forever remembered by her Titan family. 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, heading to a CSUF men’s soccer match when a box truck traveling in the same lane struck them.

Police reported that the players were not wearing helmets and early findings indicated that alcohol and drugs were not factors. Both scooters were left mangled in the roadway as investigators worked to understand the tragedy.

“When we got news of this incident, a part of me died,” leadership coach Ali Malaekeh told CBS.

Turner suffered catastrophic head trauma and was placed in the ICU, where she remained in a coma until her passing. Gwynn, also critically injured, spent a month in the ICU before being moved to a step-down unit.

A new safety measure

Her family called her progress nothing short of extraordinary, though they acknowledged she still faces a long recovery, including physical, occupational, speech, and swallowing therapy. Doctors expect 1–2 years of ongoing rehabilitation.

Following the tragedy, Cal State Fullerton head coach Demian Brown implemented a new safety measure aimed at protecting athletes: a mandatory helmet requirement for all players riding electric scooters.

“So many schools, so many programs have initiated their own helmet rules for their teams,” Brown explained. “The goal is simple — to ensure no team ever endures a loss like this again. If anything can come out of it, if we can do something to prevent something like this happening somewhere else.”

A campus in mourning

Lauren Turner’s loss has devastated not only her teammates but the wider Titan community. Throughout the season, players wore custom wristbands embroidered with “LT5 – AG7,” honoring both injured teammates.

Financial support continues to pour in. Turner’s GoFundMe has surpassed $105,000, while Gwynn’s fundraiser nears $66,000.

Lauren Turner was more than a gifted athlete; she was a connector, an encourager, a source of laughter, and a friend whose spirit uplifted everyone around her. Her family reflected:

“Her laughter was a reflection of the joy God placed in her heart.”

Her absence leaves a pain words cannot fully capture, but her presence — her energy, kindness, and leadership — will continue to be felt in the stands, on the field, and in the hearts of those who loved her for years to come.