College soccer star dies six weeks after tragic scooter crash
What began as a routine September evening for two Cal State Fullerton athletes turned into a tragedy that would shake an entire university — and ultimately claim the life of one of its most promising young stars.
Lauren Turner, a 19-year-old sophomore and standout defensive midfielder for the Titans women’s soccer team, died on November 7, nearly six weeks after she and teammate Ashlyn Gwynn were struck by a box truck while riding electric scooters near campus, according to the Fullerton Police Department.
The collision left both athletes with life-threatening injuries and sent shockwaves through the CSUF community.
Turner never regained consciousness.
Her grieving family shared the heartbreaking update in a GoFundMe post, writing:
“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 the teammate who brought light, humor, and heart into every room. Her family’s statement reflected that warmth:
“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.”
Turner’s impact was immediate. She appeared in all 20 matches during her freshman season and entered her sophomore year as a reliable starter.
Her team echoed the sentiment in their tribute:
“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 said both players were riding without helmets, and early findings indicate that neither alcohol nor drugs were factors.
Both scooters were left mangled in the roadway as investigators worked to determine how the collision occurred.
“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 rushed to the ICU, where she remained in a coma until her death. Gwynn, also critically injured, spent a month in the ICU before being transferred to a step-down unit.
Her family described her survival as remarkable:
“We are witnessing a miracle in her healing.”
Still, they acknowledge Gwynn faces a long and difficult road ahead — one that will involve physical, occupational, speech, and swallow therapy. Doctors estimate she will require one to two years of rehabilitation.
A new safety measure
In response to the tragedy, Cal State Fullerton head coach Demian Brown introduced a new safety policy: all athletes who ride electric scooters must now wear helmets.
Brown said the change aligns with similar decisions at colleges across the country.
“So many schools, so many programs have initiated their own helmet rules for their teams,” he said.
His hope is that this measure prevents other programs from experiencing a similar loss.
“If anything can come out of it, if we can do something to prevent something like this happening somewhere else.”
A campus in mourning
Turner’s death has devastated not only her teammates but the wider Titan community. Throughout the season, players have worn custom wristbands embroidered with “LT5 – AG7” to honor both injured teammates.
Support continues to pour in. Turner’s GoFundMe has surpassed $105,000, while fundraising efforts for Gwynn approach $66,000.
Lauren Turner was more than a gifted athlete; she was a connector, a source of joy, a teammate who lifted others up with her humor and spirit.
Her family expressed it simply and powerfully:
“Her laughter was a reflection of the joy God placed in her heart.”
Her loss leaves a heartbreak that words can scarcely capture, but her presence — her kindness, her energy, her leadership — will continue to live on in the stands, on the field, and in the hearts of all who loved her for years to come.
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