Cal State Fullerton football player dies weeks after crash with box truck

A college football player has died weeks after she and her teammate were struck by a box truck while riding electric scooters in California in September, school officials announced this week. She was only 19.

Cal State Fullerton women’s soccer player Lauren Turner died Nov. 7, nearly six weeks after she suffered life-threatening injuries when she and teammate Ashlyn Gwynn were struck by a box truck.

“The Cal State Fullerton Athletics Department is heartbroken to announce the death of women’s soccer student Lauren Turner, who died Friday, Nov. 7, after a nearly six-week stay in the intensive care unit following a tragic off-campus traffic collision,” the university announced in a news release Monday.

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“Our thoughts and prayers go out to her parents, Christopher and Christine, her sisters Nicolette and Victoria, her teammates, coaches, staff, friends and all who were fortunate enough to know her.”

The women’s soccer team also released a statement remembering Turner as “the funniest, most charismatic and loving teammate you could ever ask for.”

“The impact she made on the Titan women’s soccer program is immeasurable. She will be greatly missed by all, but forever remembered by her Titan family. We love you Lauren, our #5 forever.”

Lauren Turner died nearly six weeks after suffering life-threatening injuries. (GoFundMe)

The Fullerton Police Department was dispatched to an area following reports of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and two electric scooters on September 27th around 12:00 p.m. 19.00. Police found two women “on the roadway with significant, life-threatening injuries.”

According to police, the initial investigation revealed that the two soccer players were riding their scooters in the southbound lane when a box truck 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 Pakinomist Digital that the investigation is “ongoing and still active.”

In a statement shared on a GoFundMe campaign for Turner, her 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 dearly, yet we find 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 feel good. Her laughter was a reflection of the joy God put in her heart. As a dedicated soccer player, she was known for her encouragement, determination, and the way she lifted those around her. Her teammates and non-valley coaches have shared her positive stories, wit, humor, and humor. reminders of the light she carried both on and off the court.”

Police said at the time that alcohol and drugs did not appear to be factors in the crash. The Fullerton Police Department told Pakinomist Digital that 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 intensive care unit. Her family hopes to transfer her to TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas, for rehabilitation.

“Although she has a long way to go in her recovery, we are reminded that she will continue to have ups and downs, but here is what we know. Ashlyn is trying to communicate by nodding her head and mouthing words, she can move her arms and legs with purpose, and she can track moving objects with her eyes,” the Oct. 30 update read.