Lauren Turner: Footballer dies in hospital after electric scooter crash at university campus
A young footballer has died six weeks after being rushed into hospital.
Lauren Turner, a sophomore soccer player at Cal State Fullerton, died after spending six weeks in the hospital following an electric scooter crash with a box truck near campus.
The collision took place on September 27 in Associated Road near Yorba Linda Boulevard, according to the Fullerton Police Department. Turner and teammate Ashlyn Gwynn were riding electric scooters when a box truck struck them while traveling in the same lane.
Both sustained life-threatening injuries.
Video footage published by CBS from the scene showed the road splitting into a right-turn lane and a bike lane closer to the median, where the crash happened.
A spokesperson for Cal State Fullerton said: “Lauren was the funniest, most charismatic, and loving teammate you could ever ask for. 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.”
Following Lauren’s death, a GoFundMe has been launched to support her family, which has raised more than £79,000 at the time of publication.
Her father, Christopher Turner, said: “Lauren approached everything she did with heart and joy - 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. Her teammates and coaches have shared countless stories of her positivity, humor, competitiveness, and leadership - reminders of the light she carried both on and off the field.
“As her family, we always knew the goodness and light that shone within her, but to hear others speak of it affirms what a true blessing she was to everyone who knew her.
“Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we begin to walk this difficult path without our precious baby girl. Lauren is now our angel in heaven, watching over us.”
A candlelit vigil will be held at the university campus at 5.30pm on Wednesday, November 12.