PALM SPRINGS – (INT) – A memorial service was held Saturday at the Palm Springs Convention Center for USMC Corporal Hunter Lopez. He was among 13 US military personnel killed in a suicide bombing at the Kabul, Afghanistan airport.

Born on January 15th, 1999 in Palm Springs, Hunter is survived by his parents, Riverside County Sheriff’s Captain Herman Lopez and Deputy Alicia Lopez, brother, Owen, and sister Trinity.

Lopez was said to have rescued two young girls at the airport before the suicide blast. That rescue would mark the final heroic moment of Corporal Lopez's life.

Hunter dedicated his life to service and took pride in being part of organizations with a rich tradition. Prior to joining the Marine Corps, Hunter was a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Explorer Scout from 2014-2017 for Post 507, where he obtained the rank of Captain.

Hunter served in the Marine Corps for four years.

At the conclusion of the service, a procession traveled to Riverside National Cemetery where Corporal Hunter Lopez was laid to rest.

Story Date: September 20, 2021