A tragic series of collisions on Interstate 8 near Grantville claimed the lives of 25-year-old La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven and 19-year-old De’Veonte Morris on Monday night. The accident occurred as Officer Craven was assisting victims from an earlier crash, according to the California Highway Patrol. 

Authorities said the initial collision involved two vehicles, one of which overturned in the eastbound lanes of I-8. Morris, who was inside the overturned vehicle, was fatally injured. Officer Craven, who was on duty at the time, stopped her patrol car, radioed for backup, and began rendering aid to those involved. 

While she was assisting the victims, another vehicle struck the crash scene, hitting Officer Craven and several of the cars involved. A fifth vehicle then collided with the wreckage, adding to the devastation. Several people were transported to nearby hospitals with injuries. 

Remembering Officer Lauren Craven 

The La Mesa Police Department (LMPD) described Officer Craven as a “courageous, young officer” whose actions in her final moments reflected her unwavering commitment to service. Craven joined the department in February 2024 and quickly earned a reputation for her compassion, courage, and professionalism. 

Her father, David Craven, said his daughter’s journey to law enforcement was one of determination and purpose. After experiencing personal trauma in her early twenties, she decided to dedicate her life to protecting others. Her father remembers her telling him that she wanted “to be there for anybody in trouble that needs me.”

Chief of Police Ray Sweeney shared a message Craven had written during her hiring process: 

“It has always been my passion to serve others, and there has never been a doubt in my mind being a law enforcement officer is what I was meant to do.”

Governor Gavin Newsom also honored her sacrifice, ordering flags at the State Capitol to be flown at half-staff. “Officer Craven served her community with pride and dedication,” Newsom said. “Jennifer and I are heartbroken by her loss and the significant impact her passing leaves on the larger San Diego community.” 

Officer Craven’s death marks the first line-of-duty loss in the La Mesa Police Department’s 105-year history. She is survived by her parents, David and Karen, her sister Margot, and her partner Miles. 

The Investigation Continues

CHP Captain Reggie Williams said the fatal incident involved five vehicles in total. The initial crash caused a rollover that led to secondary impacts when passing drivers struck the wreckage. Officer Craven was hit while assisting those at the scene, and the sequence of collisions remains under investigation. 

Authorities have not yet determined whether speed, distraction, or other factors contributed to the crashes. 

Honoring Service, Seeking Safety, and the Road Ahead

For the La Mesa community, the loss of Officer Craven is profound, a reminder of the daily risks first responders take to keep others safe. Her courage and compassion, even in her final moment, reflect the best of what it means to serve. 

“First responders put their lives on the line every day to help others, and when tragedies like this occur, it deeply affects the entire community,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “Our hearts go out to Officer Craven’s family, her fellow officers, and the loved ones of all who were impacted by this devastating event. Our firm remains committed to helping families find answers, accountability, and justice after preventable roadway tragedies.” 

Singleton Schreiber has represented many families across California who have lost loved ones or suffered catastrophic injuries in traffic incidents. If you or a loved one has been affected by a fatal crash or serious injury, contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free consultation. Nothing can undo the loss of life, but the firm’s compassionate attorneys can help you seek justice.

A tragic two-vehicle collision shut down Highway 15 north of Lamey Bridge Road on Monday afternoon, October 13, 2025, after a D’Iberville Public Works truck was involved in a serious crash. Authorities confirmed that an SUV rolled onto its side during the impact. One person, identified as 48-year-old William Bradford Parr of Perkinston, tragically lost his life, while another individual was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Another victim has been identified as Davey Quave, an electrician for the Public Works Department.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol is currently investigating the cause of the wreck, which left debris scattered across the roadway and traffic at a standstill for several hours.

If you or someone you love has been affected by a serious crash, contact Singleton Schreiber today. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options after a fatal or injury-causing accident.

The Dangers of Rollovers and Collisions Involving Large Trucks

Accidents involving large trucks often have devastating outcomes due to the size, weight, and limited maneuverability of these vehicles. When a smaller car or SUV rolls over in such a crash, the occupants face a significantly higher risk of serious or fatal injuries, including head trauma and internal damage. Even at moderate speeds, the momentum of a large truck can cause a catastrophic impact that smaller passenger vehicles simply can’t withstand.

“Accidents involving municipal or commercial trucks require careful investigation,” Zakia Chamberlain, attorney of Singleton Schreiber. “The size and weight of these vehicles mean that even minor errors can have devastating consequences. Understanding what happened is the first step toward justice.”

When a public works vehicle is involved, the investigation can become even more complex. City or county agencies may be responsible for ensuring that their drivers are properly trained, their vehicles are safely maintained, and their employees are operating within the scope of their duties. If a government employee acted negligently, such as by speeding, being distracted, or failing to follow safety protocols, the municipality itself could be held liable for the resulting damages.

Legal Options for the Victim’s Families and the Injured Survivor

Families who lose a loved one in a collision may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim can help recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional pain caused by the loss of a family member.

The individual who survived the crash may also be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These claims can provide essential financial support while helping hold negligent parties accountable.

Because a D’Iberville Public Works truck was involved, any potential claims could include government liability. While cases against public entities follow special procedures and strict filing deadlines, victims and their families still have the right to pursue compensation when government negligence plays a role in a fatal or serious crash.

If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered serious injuries in a crash involving a large truck or rollover, contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free consultation. Our legal team has the experience and dedication needed to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

A tragic crash near Pershing Middle School in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego left one child dead and two others seriously injured Monday morning. The students were walking to school when they were struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Lake Badin and Jackson Drive just after 7:20 a.m., according to the San Diego Police.

The students, one boy and two girls, were all sixth graders walking to Pershing Middle School when the incident occurred. Police said the driver stopped immediately after the collision and rendered aid at the scene.

All three children were taken to Rady Children’s Hospital, where one of the victims, a 12-year-old boy, died from his injuries. The two surviving students suffered serious injuries, including a compound fracture to one child’s arm.

In an email to families, Pershing Middle School Principal Melanie Kray shared the heartbreaking news. She added that district counselors would be available at the campus to support students, staff, and parents.

Pershing Middle School Principal Melanie Kray Statement to Families

It is with great sadness that I share the tragic news of the death of one of our students. All of us at Pershing are heartbroken by this loss, and our thoughts are with the student’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time.

This morning, there was a traffic accident at Lake Badin and Jackson Drive involving a car and three of our students. Sadly, one student did not survive. The condition of the other two students remains unknown at this time.

The San Diego Police Department is investigating the accident. As we receive more information, we will continue to keep our families informed as appropriate.

District counselors will be on campus this week to assist students, staff and parents. The counselors will continue to provide support as needed. Please be assured that we are doing everything possible to maintain our daily routine while supporting each other as we deal with this sad event. We will be sharing additional information as it becomes available.

If you want to talk with your child about this, here are some tips that may be helpful: Provide outlets for expression such as drawing, writing and talking. Be honest. If asked difficult questions, it’s OK to say you don’t know the answers. Reassure your child of their own health and safety. Stay physically close to your child and hug them often.

 We ask that you please respect the privacy of our families during this difficult time. We are a close and caring community, and we will continue to support one another through this time of grief and healing.

Sincerely,

Melanie Kray

Principal

The investigate the circumstances of the crash is ongoing, however, at this time speed or speed or alcohol involvement are not suspected to be factors.

As of Monday afternoon, a Honda sedan with a crushed windshield remained in the roadway. It has been reported that the driver of the vehicle that struck the children, a man in his 30s, did stop and tried to provide aid.

Justice, Safety, and the Difficult Road Ahead

For families, the loss of a child under such tragic circumstances is a devastation that words cannot fully describe. Accidents involving schoolchildren often bring issues of safety near school zones, traffic enforcement, and community awareness into focus.

According to neighborhood resident Tom Bruney, a parent of a student at the school interviewed by ABC10, visibility and road design might have played a factor.

“People don’t usually travel speed limit and coming over this hill, the sun is right in your eyes,” said Bruney, “My heart is, I’m fighting back tears. It’s so awful. Could easily have been my son. My heart just goes out to family of these kids.”

“Children should be safe walking to and from school each day.” said Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “When tragedies like this happen, it shakes an entire community. Our hearts go out to the families involved. Any family affected by such tragedy will need proper guidance to ensure that justice and accountability will drive the required safety improvements needed to prevent this from ever happening again.”

Singleton Schreiber has represented many families throughout San Diego and across the West Coast who have lost loved ones or children in tragic, yet preventable traffic incidents. The firm is dedicated to making communities safer, especially for children, and helping families find answers and navigate the difficult processes that follow incidents like this one.

Initial reports indicate that all three children were siblings, making this a devastating tragedy for this family and community.  If your children were struck today, contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free consultation. Nothing can take away what happened today, but the firm’s compassionate attorneys can help you seek justice for your children and, perhaps, work to make your community safer.