A procession by fellow law enforcement was held Thursday for Lauren Craven, a 25-year-old La Mesa police officer who was killed in the line of duty while assisting a motorist at the scene of a crash on Interstate 8.

The ceremony began at 10 a.m. Thursday from the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office to Craven’s resting place at El Camino Memorial Park on Carroll Canyon Road in Sorrento Valley.

Craven is survived by her partner, parents and was fondly remembered by her colleagues as an officer who always served with compassion for others.

The La Mesa Police Department held a press conference on Tuesday afternoon after 25-year-old Officer Lauren Craven was killed while responding to another deadly crash on Interstate 8 east in Grantville overnight.

Flags at the state Capitol and the Capitol Annex Swing Space in Sacramento will be flown at half-staff in honor of Craven, the Governor’s Office announced.

Law enforcement agencies nationwide participated in Thursday’s ceremony to pay their respects.

“In an effort to support the family of Officer Lauren Craven, the La Mesa Police Officers’ Association (LMPOA) has launched an official Fund a Hero campaign,” the police association said in a statement. “All proceeds will go directly to her family.”

The association’s goal is to raise $50,000 for Craven’s family and as of early Thursday morning, contributions to the fundraiser had reached $23,931.

Officer Craven, a Bend, Oregon native who celebrated her birthday on Oct. 7, was aiding a driver whose car had overturned on the eastbound side of the freeway at Fairmount Avenue in San Diego when another vehicle struck them shortly before 10:30 p.m. Monday, according to the La Mesa Police Department.

Craven, who joined the LMPD in February 2024 and was assigned to its patrol unit, died at the scene, as did the driver involved in the initial crash.

The name of the deceased motorist was later identified as 19-year-old De’Veonte Morris, but authorities had not released information regarding the person whose vehicle struck Craven and Morris.

“He was just my rock. I don’t even know how I can even live or think or eat or drink or sleep without him. He was heaven on earth,” Morris’ mother, Annesha Meekie, said about her late son. Meekie added that her son was just a beautiful soul, he was always respectful, he was responsible and motivated people.

It was reported that Morris’ father, Tyree, died on the same day three years ago.

David Craven, Lauren’s father, had an opportunity to speak about his daughter and said that she wanted to dedicate her life to being “that good cop” for anybody who needed her. “Every day we would talk on her way home from work, which was six in the morning, or on the way to work,” he said. “She loved it. She loved getting up to go to work. She was excited to get out there and serve.”

“I’m trying not to focus on all the decades more than she should have had. I’m trying to focus on the fact that everything in her life was thumbs up as she progressed through this journey. Personal relationships, everything. The way she viewed the world. She had a goal that seemed impossible. Not physically qualified, changed that. Became physically qualified in an environment that’s male-dominated, pushed right through it, and became respected. All with a goal to help with compassion,” he added.

Craven’s untimely death prompted profuse expressions of sorrow and support from the agency she served, as well as from other area law enforcement officials and community leaders.

“On behalf of the entire La Mesa Police Department, I want to offer my deepest condolences to Lauren’s family and friends,” LMPD Chief Ray Sweeney said during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. “We grieve with you, and we will stand with you in the days and years to come.”

Sweeney described Craven, a 2023 Loyola Marymount University graduate, as “a light.”

“Her positivity was immediate and genuine,” he said. “Whether helping a colleague, answering a stranger’s question or stepping up into a difficult case that she was working, she led with compassion, courage and professionalism.”

During Craven’s hiring process, Sweeney told reporters, she wrote, “It has always been my passion to serve others, and there has never been a doubt in my mind that being a law enforcement officer is what I was meant to do.”

“That’s who Lauren was, and that’s how she served and how she will be remembered,” the chief said. “She was tenacious and resilient.”

Other area law enforcement officials offered their condolences to the young officer’s loved ones and colleagues as well.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, who tragically lost her life late Monday night while serving others,” the California Highway Patrol stated. “The CHP Border Communications Center stands with her family, friends and fellow officers during this difficult time.”

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office likewise lamented the “heartbreaking loss” of the young officer.

“Officer Craven’s bravery and dedication to serving others exemplify the highest values of law enforcement. … Her courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the agency stated.

Gov. Gavin Newsom also expressed his and his wife’s sorrow over Craven’s death in the line of duty.

“Officer Craven served her community with pride and dedication,” Newsom said. “Jennifer and I are heartbroken by her loss and the significant impact her passing leaves on the larger San Diego community. We join her family, friends, and fellow officers in mourning. May her memory never be forgotten.”

The LMPD issued a statement thanking the public for its “unwavering support.”

“We ask that the La Mesa community keep Officer Craven, her family and the La Mesa Police Department in their thoughts and prayers,” the agency stated.