Multi-vehicle crash kills California police officer

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. (CNN, KYMA) - A La Mesa police officer was killed in a multi-vehicle car crash earlier this week.

"It is with immeasurable sadness that I announce we've lost one of our own," said Chief Ray Sweeney with the La Mesa Police Department (LMPD).

A grieving police chief spoke about a young officer tragically killed while doing her job, stopping to help someone else in a crash.

"Whether helping a colleague, answering a strangers question or stepping up into a difficult case, she lead with compassion, courage and professionalism," Chief Sweeney expressed.

Sweeney says the officer, 25-year-old Lauren Craven, joined LMPD early last year.

Craven was on duty Monday night, heading back from the Central Jail in San Diego, when she came up on a crash on the I-8 East and got out to help. She was hit and killed by another driver.

"We didn't just lose an officer, we lost a beloved daughter, sister, girlfriend, teammate and friend," Sweeney expressed.

Outside police headquarters, there was an outpouring of love and support for LMPD, with community members, other law enforcement, and even complete strangers stopping by with flowers and messages for Craven's loved ones and her police family.

"The community is with them, you know, as they grieve and go through the pain and suffering that they will, but as time goes on, remember her as a positive person that gave to the community," said one resident.

One couple left flowers for Craven while also thinking of the young child killed Monday just a few miles away in Lake Murray.

"To the parents of the officer and the parents of the young kids, we feel for you and you're in our prayers tonight, and God bless you both," the resident remarked.

There is a fundraiser to help support Craven's family. If anyone would like to donate to the fundraiser, click here.