Lauren Turner, a 19-year-old women’s soccer player at Cal State Fullerton, tragically passed away on November 7, nearly six weeks after being critically injured in a traffic accident in California. The accident, which also involved her teammate Ashlyn Gwynn, occurred on the evening of September 27 when both athletes were struck by a box truck while riding electric scooters. The university and the local community have since mourned the loss of Turner, remembering her vibrant spirit and the profound impact she had on those around her.
The incident took place in Fullerton, California, when Turner and Gwynn were riding their electric scooters southbound on a roadway. At approximately 7 p.m., a box truck traveling in the same lane collided with the two athletes. Emergency responders found both women lying in the roadway with severe, life-threatening injuries. Despite the seriousness of the crash, authorities quickly ruled out alcohol and drugs as contributing factors. The Fullerton Police Department confirmed that their investigation into the accident remains active and ongoing.
Following the collision, Turner was rushed to the intensive care unit (ICU), where she remained in critical condition for nearly six weeks. Her family, teammates, and coaches held onto hope throughout her hospitalization. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, Turner succumbed to her injuries on November 7. The university formally announced her passing in a heartfelt press release, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to her family and the entire Cal State Fullerton community.
“The Cal State Fullerton Athletics Department is heartbroken to announce the news of the passing of women’s soccer student-athlete Lauren Turner,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, Christopher and Christine, her sisters Nicolette and Victoria, her teammates, coaches, staff members, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.” The soccer team also shared a moving tribute to Turner, describing her as “the funniest, most charismatic, and loving teammate you could ever ask for.” They emphasized her immeasurable impact on the Titans women’s soccer program and vowed to remember her forever as part of their Titan family.
Turner’s family also issued a statement through a GoFundMe campaign set up to support both her and Gwynn, thanking the community for the “outpouring of love, prayers, and support” they received during this difficult time. They expressed their heartbreak but found comfort in their faith, 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.”
The family remembered Lauren as a joyful and spirited individual who approached life with enthusiasm and heart. “She was funny, full of life, and had a gift for making people laugh and feel at ease,” they said. “Her laughter was a reflection of the joy God placed in her heart.” As an athlete, Turner was known for her encouragement and determination, qualities that inspired her teammates and coaches alike. Numerous stories from those close to her highlighted her positivity, humor, competitiveness, and leadership—traits that made her a beacon of light both on and off the soccer field.
Her teammate Ashlyn Gwynn, who was also critically injured in the accident, remains hospitalized but has shown signs of progress. After spending about a month in the ICU, Gwynn was moved to a “step down” unit, indicating some improvement in her condition. According to updates shared via a GoFundMe campaign created for her medical expenses and rehabilitation, Gwynn is gradually regaining some functions. She has been able to communicate minimally by nodding and mouthing words, move her arms and legs with intention, and track moving objects with her eyes. Her family hopes to transfer her to TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas, a facility specializing in rehabilitation, for further recovery.
The Cal State Fullerton community has rallied around both athletes and their families during this tragic time. Fundraising efforts via GoFundMe have helped cover medical expenses and other needs, and the outpouring of support has been significant. Teammates, coaches, friends, and fans have all shared memories and messages of hope, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the Titans women’s soccer program and their collective grief over the loss of Lauren Turner.
This incident has also raised awareness about the safety risks associated with electric scooters, especially when sharing roads with larger vehicles