The Cal State Fullerton community is mourning the tragic loss of Lauren Turner, a sophomore standout on the Titans women’s soccer team, who passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025, six weeks after sustaining severe injuries in a scooter accident. Turner, who had been battling life-threatening head trauma, had been receiving care in hospice following the crash.

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Tragic Scooter Accident

Lauren Turner and her teammate Ashlyn Gwynn were riding electric scooters without helmets on Saturday, September 27, 2025, when they were struck by a box truck near the Cal State Fullerton campus at around 7 p.m., according to The Orange County Register. First responders reported that both players were found lying in the street with severe, life-threatening injuries.

Turner’s injuries were so critical that she required intensive medical care and was eventually moved to hospice. Despite weeks of treatment, she succumbed to her injuries, leaving family, friends, and teammates devastated.

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Remembering Lauren Turner

Turner’s family shared their heartbreak in a GoFundMe update, writing: “Our hearts are broken, and our family is forever changed.” Cal State Fullerton and the Titans women’s soccer team also paid tribute, calling her a “loving teammate,” “charismatic leader,” and “integral part of the team both on and off the field.”

Her teammates recalled:

• “Lauren was the funniest, most charismatic, and loving teammate you could ever ask for.”
• “She was the first to celebrate other people’s wins and always carried herself with compassion, kindness, and happiness.”
• “The impact she made on the Titans women’s soccer program is immeasurable. We love you, Lauren, our No. 5 forever.”

Lauren, a native of Tustin, California, primarily played as a defensive midfielder but was versatile, contributing in multiple positions throughout her 30 NCAA career games. Her leadership and talent played a major role in the Titans’ historic unbeaten start to the 2025 season.

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Ashlyn Gwynn’s Ongoing Recovery

Turner’s teammate, Ashlyn Gwynn, remains hospitalized following the same accident. Gwynn’s family shared that she has been moved to a “Step Down” unit and continues to show progress. Plans are underway to transfer her to a hospital in Houston for inpatient rehabilitation, which could last several weeks, followed by up to two years of outpatient therapy to aid her full recovery.

The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation, as reported by local media including KABC and the Orange County Register.

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Honoring Lauren Turner

Cal State Fullerton announced a candlelight vigil to honor Lauren Turner, scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. on the field at Titan Stadium. The university’s athletics department invited teammates, coaches, friends, and the community to attend and celebrate her life and legacy.

The university also expressed their condolences: “Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, Christopher and Christine, her sisters Nicolette and Victoria, her teammates, coaches, staff members, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.”

Lauren Turner will be remembered not only for her talent on the field but also for her kindness, leadership, and lasting impact on everyone she met.