Lauren Turner, a sophomore player on Cal State Fullerton’s Telectory Soccer Team, has died nearly six weeks after she and her teammates were hit by a box truck while riding scooters on a field near campus.
“This morning, our sweet Lauren fell asleep in the Lord,” her family wrote Friday on a gofundme page that was started to help cover her medical expenses. “Our hearts are broken, and our family is forever changed. We will miss him in this way, but it is a great comfort to know that he has now accepted our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
A native of Tustin, Turner started playing football at the age of 4. He was a four-year star at Arnold O. Beckman High School, including two years as team captain, and received his team of the year award. As a freshman at Cal State Fullerton he played in all 20 games, starting 4, and finishing with one goal and one assist. This season, he made eight in 10 games.
“As a dedicated football player, he was known for his motivation, determination, and the way he lifted up those around him,” Turter’s family wrote. “His teammates and his coaches have shared countless stories of his perseverance, humor, competitiveness and leadership – reminders of the light that both of them went on and left in the field.
“As her family, we always knew the beauty and light that shone within her, but hearing others talk about it confirms what a true blessing she was to everyone who knew her.”
Lauren Turner is remembered by her Cal State Fullerton teammates as “the sweetest, most loving player you could ever ask for.”
(CAL State Fullerton Athletics)
Turner and Titan Team Ashlyn Gwynn were riding electric scooters in the men’s football game around 7 PM September along the road along Yorba Linda Blvd. Boulevard, according to the Fullerton Police Department.
Officers responding to the crash found two women “in a significant, life-threatening road rage situation,” Felton Police News Relex said.
First responders took the two, who were not wearing helmets, to a local disaster center. Alcohol and drugs did not appear to be a risk factor, said the Department.
Kristy Wells, Fullerton police public information specialist, said Tuesday that the investigation into the collision is still active and ongoing. No charges against the driver have been filed with the Orange County County Attorney’s office.
According to an update on Oct.
“His integrity was nothing short of miraculous,” Gwynn’s family wrote.
A candlelight vigil in Turner’s memory will be held at Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Stadium Field at 5:30 PM PST on Wednesday.
“Lauren was the sweetest, most loving co-worker you could ever ask for,” Turner’s 2025 football team said in a statement. “She was the first to celebrate other people’s wins. She is the true definition of a wonderful person. She always carried compassion, kindness, the impact she made on the Titans Women’s Soccer Program was HOLY.
“He will be greatly missed by everyone but forever missed by his Titan family. We love you Lauren, and Number 5 forever.”
Times Cast Wrint Andrew J. Campa contributed to this report.
