LA MESA, Calif — The La Mesa Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Lauren Craven, 25, who died Monday night while helping others.

According to the department, she joined the La Mesa Police force in February 2024. She died late Monday evening while trying to assist a crash on Interstate 8.

There was a law enforcement procession to the medical examiner's office following her death.

Tuesday morning, a memorial of flowers and candles continued to grow outside La Mesa Police Headquarters. Several people from the community, first responders, and other law enforcement agencies stopped by to pay their respects to the fallen officer.

"We didn't just lose an officer, we lost a beloved daughter, sister, girlfriend, teammate and friend," said La Mesa Police Chief Ray Sweeney during

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