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A college soccer player died weeks after she and her teammate were hit by a truck while riding electric scooters in California in September, school officials announced this week. She was only 19 years old.
Cal State Fullerton women’s soccer player Lauren Turner died Nov. 7, nearly six weeks after suffering life-threatening injuries when she and teammate Ashlyn Gwynn were hit by a truck.
(Left) 19-year-old Cal State Fullerton women’s soccer player Lauren Turner and teammate Ashlyn Gwynn (right) were hit by a truck while riding electric scooters in California on September 27. Both athletes suffered life-threatening injuries, but Turner succumbed to her injuries on November 7. Gwynn remains hospitalized. (GoFundMe)
“The Cal State Fullerton Department of Athletics is heartbroken to announce the news of the passing of women’s soccer student-athlete Lauren Turner, who passed away on Friday, Nov. 7 after a nearly six-week stay in the ICU following a tragic off-campus traffic collision,” the university announced in a news release Monday.
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“Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, Christopher and Christine, her sisters Nicolette and Victoria, her teammates, coaches, staff members, friends and everyone who was lucky enough to know her.”
The women’s soccer team also released a statement remembering Turner as “the funniest, most charismatic and caring teammate you could ask for.”
“The impact she had on the Titans women’s soccer program is immeasurable. She will be greatly missed by all, but will be remembered forever by her Titan family. We love you, Lauren, our forever #5.”
Lauren Turner died nearly six weeks after suffering life-threatening injuries. (GoFundMe)
The Fullerton Police Department was dispatched to an area after reports of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and two electric scooters on September 27 around 7 p.m. Police found two women “on the road with significant, life-threatening injuries.”
According to police, the initial investigation revealed that the two soccer players were riding their scooters in the southbound lane when a truck traveling in the same lane “collid” with them.
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Police said at the time that alcohol and drugs did not appear to be factors in the crash. The Fullerton Police Department told Pak Gazette Digital that the investigation is “ongoing and still active.”
In a statement shared on a GoFundMe campaign for Turner, her family thanked others for the “outpouring of love, prayers and support.”
“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, but we take comfort in knowing that she is now in the loving embrace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” the statement read in part.
“Lauren approached everything she did with heart and joy. She was fun, full of life and had the gift of making people laugh and feel at ease. Her laughter was a reflection of the joy God put in her heart. As a dedicated soccer player, she was known for her encouragement, determination and the way she encouraged those around her. 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.”
Police said at the time that alcohol and drugs did not appear to be factors in the crash. The Fullerton Police Department told Pak Gazette Digital that the investigation is “ongoing and still active.” (Christina House/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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According to a GoFundMe campaign created for Gwynn, she was moved to the “step-down” unit after a month-long stay in the ICU. Her family hopes to transfer her to TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas, for rehabilitation.
“While she has a long road ahead in her recovery, we are reminded that she will continue to have ups and downs, but here’s what we do know. Ashlyn attempts to communicate by nodding her head and saying words, she can move her arms and legs and do so with purpose, and she can follow moving objects with her eyes,” the Oct. 30 update reads.
