California State University, Fullerton Soccer Player Lauren Turner, 19, Dies Six Weeks After Being Struck by Truck in E-Scooter Crash [PHOTOS]

California State University, Fullerton soccer player Lauren Turner, 19, has died nearly six weeks after she and a teammate were struck by a box truck while riding electric scooters near campus.

Turner passed away on November 7, after spending more than a month in a coma following the September 27 crash that left her critically injured.

“Early this morning, our sweet Lauren fell asleep in the Lord. Our hearts are broken, and our family is forever changed,” Turner’s family shared on GoFundMe. “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 described Turner as a vibrant, joyful young woman who brought energy and laughter to everyone she met.

“Lauren approached everything she did with heart and joy,” her loved ones wrote. “She was funny, full of life, and had a gift for making people laugh and feel at ease. Her laughter was a reflection of the joy God placed in her heart. As a dedicated soccer player, she was known for her encouragement, determination, and the way she lifted up those around her.”

The Tragic Accident

According to the Fullerton Police Department, Turner and her teammate, sophomore Ashlyn Gwynn, were riding electric scooters to a Cal State men’s soccer game around 7 p.m. on September 27 when they were hit by a Ford Econoline E350 box truck driving in the same lane on Associated Road, just north of the Southern California campus.

Lauren Turner.

Lauren Turner.

Authorities said the teammates were traveling in the second lane at the time of the crash. Photos and video from the scene showed the scooters lying in the road as investigators examined the area.

Police stated that alcohol or drugs were not believed to be factors, and the driver remained at the scene, fully cooperating with investigators. No arrests have been made.

A Promising Soccer Career

A native of Tustin, California, Turner was a sophomore forward for the Cal State Fullerton Titans and a standout athlete. During her freshman year, she appeared in all 20 matches, recording one goal and one assist. In her second season, she played in all 10 matches before the crash, starting in eight and logging a total of 595 minutes on the field.

Her teammates remembered her as a bright light — both on and off the pitch.

“Lauren was the funniest, most charismatic, and loving teammate you could ever ask for,” the Titans women’s soccer team shared. “She was the first to celebrate other people’s wins. She is the true definition of an amazing person. She always carried herself with compassion, kindness, and happiness.”

“The impact she made on the Titans women’s soccer program is immeasurable. She will be dearly missed by everyone but forever remembered by her Titan family. We love you, Lauren — our No. 5 forever.”

Ongoing Recovery for Teammate

Turner, number 5, and Ashlyn Gwynn, 7, were riding scooters to a men’s soccer game when they were struck by the box truck.

Turner’s teammate Ashlyn Gwynn was also seriously injured in the crash and hospitalized in the ICU. Her family shared on October 30 that she had been moved from intensive care to a step-down unit as she continued her recovery.

Throughout the season, the Titans women’s soccer team honored both players by wearing custom arm and wristbands featuring their initials and numbers: “LT5–AG7.”

A candlelight vigil in Turner’s memory will be held Wednesday evening at the Cal State Fullerton soccer stadium.

The Titans went on to secure the third seed in the Big West Conference Tournament, defeating CSU Bakersfield in the quarterfinals before falling to Cal Poly 1-0 in the semifinals.

Ashlyn Gwynn was “severely injured” and placed in the ICU before being moved out to the “Step Down” unit, her family announced on their own GoFundMe on Oct. 30.