College soccer star dies six weeks after tragic scooter crash

A September evening near Cal State Fullerton that should have ended with two athletes heading to a soccer match became a devastating tragedy for the university community.

Lauren Turner, a 19-year-old sophomore and defensive midfielder for the Cal State Fullerton Titans women’s soccer team, died on November 7, almost six weeks after she and teammate Ashlyn Gwynn were hit by a box truck while riding electric scooters near campus. Fullerton police said the crash left both young women with life-threatening injuries.

Turner never woke up after the collision. Her family later shared the painful news through a GoFundMe update, saying Lauren had died early that morning. They wrote that their hearts were broken and their family had been permanently changed, while also taking comfort in their faith and the belief that she was in the embrace of Jesus Christ.

Lauren was remembered not only as a talented athlete, but as someone whose presence lifted the people around her. Relatives described her as joyful, funny, full of life, and able to make others laugh and feel comfortable. They said teammates and coaches had shared story after story about her positivity, humor, competitive drive, and leadership, both on the field and away from it.

Her place in the Titans program had already become significant. As a freshman, she appeared in all 20 matches. By her sophomore season, she had already established herself as a starter before the crash cut everything short.

The women’s soccer team honored her as an unforgettable teammate. They described Lauren as funny, charismatic, loving, and deeply important to the program. Her impact, they said, could not truly be measured. To her Titan family, she would remain their No. 5 forever.

The crash happened on September 27 at around 7 p.m. Turner and Gwynn were riding electric scooters on Associated Road near campus, on their way to a Cal State Fullerton men’s soccer match. According to police, a box truck traveling in the same lane struck them.

Investigators said the two players were not wearing helmets. Early findings also indicated that alcohol and drugs were not believed to be factors in the collision. The scooters were badly damaged and left in the roadway as authorities worked to determine exactly how the crash unfolded.

The news shook people close to the team almost immediately. Leadership coach Ali Malaekeh told CBS that when he heard what had happened, it felt as if part of him had died.

Turner suffered catastrophic head trauma and was taken to the intensive care unit, where she remained in a coma until her death. Gwynn was also critically hurt. She spent a month in the ICU before being moved to a step-down unit.

Gwynn’s recovery brought some hope in the middle of the grief. Her family described her progress as nothing short of miraculous, saying they were witnessing a miracle in her healing. Still, the road ahead remained long. She was expected to need physical, occupational, speech, and swallow therapy, with doctors anticipating one to two years of continued rehabilitation.

After the tragedy, Cal State Fullerton head coach Demian Brown introduced a new team safety rule. All players riding electric scooters would now be required to wear helmets.

Brown said the decision reflected a broader movement among college programs, with many schools and teams creating helmet requirements of their own. For him, the goal was straightforward: if anything positive could come from such a devastating event, it should be action that might prevent another team from facing the same kind of loss.

The mourning across the Cal State Fullerton community extended through the season. Players wore custom wristbands embroidered with LT5 – AG7, honoring both Lauren Turner and Ashlyn Gwynn.

Support also came through fundraising efforts. Lauren’s GoFundMe surpassed $105,000, while Gwynn’s fundraiser approached $66,000, helping both families face the aftermath of the crash and the long road that followed.

Lauren Turner’s death left a deep wound in the lives of her family, friends, teammates, coaches, and the wider Titan community. She was remembered as far more than a gifted soccer player. She was a connector, an encourager, a source of laughter, and a friend whose energy helped others feel seen and supported.

Her family said her laughter reflected the joy God had placed in her heart. That joy, along with her kindness, leadership, and spirit, will remain part of the memories carried by those who loved her, in the stands, on the field, and throughout the community she touched.