Lauren Turner Dies After Scooter Accident Leaving Cal State Fullerton Community in Mourning and Raising Awareness About Helmet Safety

The Cal State Fullerton community is grieving after women’s soccer player Lauren Turner passed away following nearly six weeks in intensive care.

The 20-year-old was critically injured in a scooter accident on September 27 and succumbed to her injuries despite intensive treatment.

Lauren, a defensive midfielder from Tustin, Orange County, was riding an electric scooter with a teammate when a truck struck them.

Neither was wearing a helmet at the time, according to the university’s head coach.

Her teammate, Ashlyn Gwynn, also sustained life-threatening injuries but is now making a “miracle” recovery, her family said last month.

Remembering Lauren’s Spirit

The university released a heartfelt statement honoring Lauren:

“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, our No. 5 Forever.”

Lauren’s teammates plan to hold a candlelight vigil in her honor at the soccer stadium on Wednesday evening.

A Teammate’s Road to Recovery

Ashlyn Gwynn, the teammate who was injured alongside Lauren, continues her rehabilitation.

Her family shared on a GoFundMe page that they are “witnessing a miracle in her healing.”

Gwynn’s recovery remains a long journey.

She has begun physical therapy, occupational therapy, and swallow and speech therapy.

Her family noted that just a month ago, doctors couldn’t predict if she would survive.

Even when she is able to return home, she will require 1–2 years of outpatient rehabilitation.

Community Support and Fundraising

The outpouring of support has been immense.

A GoFundMe page set up for Lauren and her family has raised over $105,000, while funds for Gwynn’s recovery have reached nearly $66,000 as of Tuesday morning.

The community has rallied around both young athletes, demonstrating solidarity in the wake of tragedy.

Lauren Turner’s Legacy on the Field

Lauren was a standout player for the Titans.

This season, she started eight of ten games and played in a total of 30 games for Cal State Fullerton.

Her skill as a defensive midfielder, combined with her infectious spirit, made her a beloved member of the team.

“Lauren was more than just a teammate; she was family,” said a member of the program.

“Her presence on and off the field will never be forgotten.”

A Community United in Grief

The Cal State Fullerton Titans women’s soccer program, her family, and friends continue to honor Lauren’s memory while supporting Ashlyn through her recovery.

Though the tragedy has left an emptiness, her legacy of joy, leadership, and passion for the game will endure within the Titan community.