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A college football player died weeks after she and her teammate were struck by a covered 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 struck by a covered truck.
(Left) Cal State Fullerton women’s soccer player Lauren Turner, 19, and teammate Ashlyn Gwynn (right) were struck by a covered truck while riding electric scooters in California on September 27. Both athletes suffered life-threatening injuries, but Turner succumbed to his injuries on November 7. Gwynn remains hospitalized. (GoFundMe)
“The Cal State Fullerton Athletics Department is heartbroken to announce the news of the death of women’s soccer student-athlete Lauren Turner, who died Friday, Nov. 7 after a nearly six-week stay in the intensive care unit following a tragic off-campus traffic accident,” 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, 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 loving teammate anyone could hope for.”
“The impact she had on the Titans women’s soccer program is immeasurable. She will be greatly missed by everyone, but will be remembered forever by her Titan family. We love you Lauren, our number 5 forever.”
Lauren Turner died almost 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 “in the roadway with serious and life-threatening injuries.”
According to police, the initial investigation revealed that the two football players were riding their scooters in the southbound lane when a box truck traveling in the same lane “collided” 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 PK Press Club Digital the investigation is “ongoing and still active.”
In a statement shared during a GoFundMe campaign for Turner, his 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 great comfort in knowing that she is now in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” the statement read in part.
“Lauren approached everything she did with heart and joy. She was funny, full of life and had a gift for making people laugh and putting them at ease. Her laughter was a reflection of the joy God had placed in her heart. As a dedicated soccer player, she was known for her encouragement, her determination and the way she uplifted those around her. Her teammates and coaches shared countless stories of her positivity, humor, of her competitiveness and leadership – reminders of the light she carried 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 PK Press Club Digital the investigation is “ongoing and still active.” (Christina House/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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According to a GoFundMe campaign set up 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.
“Even though she has a long road ahead in her recovery, we are reminded that she will continue to have ups and downs, but here is what we know. Ashlyn attempts to communicate by nodding her head and speaking words, she can move her arms and legs and do so with purpose, and she can track moving objects with her eyes,” the Oct. 30 update read.
