RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. — All of America is mourning the loss of life in Afghanistan after a suicide bomber claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members. One of those killed in action was USMC Corporal Hunter Lopez, 22. He was the son of Riverside Sheriff’s Department Captain Herman Lopez and Deputy Alicia Lopez.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department discussed Hunter’s involvement with the agency as well as his aspirations to join the organization upon completion of his tour of duty. The department issued the following statement on Facebook:
It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Hunter Lopez, the son of two of our Department members, Captain Herman Lopez and Deputy Alicia Lopez.
Hunter also served our Department as an Explorer from September 2014 through August 2017 at our Palm Desert Station. Hunter graduated from La Quinta High School in 2017.
On September 5, 2017, Hunter joined the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to the 22nd Battalion, 1st Marines.
Hunter, who was 22 years old at the time of his death, planned on following his parent’s footsteps and becoming a Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy after returning home from his current deployment.
Hunter, thank you for your service to our community and our country. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sheriff Chad Bianco
Lopez’ death was also covered by CBS Los Angeles. The news outlet included details from the Riverside Sheriff’s Association.
With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of a beloved member of the Riverside Sheriff’s family, United States Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez, one of one 13 United States service members killed at the Kabul airport during the U.S.led evacuation effort. We are heartbroken to hear this sad news about Hunter, who chose to follow a life of service, selflessness, courage and sacrifice, like his parents. Hunter was a Riverside Sheriff’s Explorer Scout with the Palm Desert Station from September 2014 to August 2017.
Hunter joined the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. Hunter, who was 22 years old at the time of his death, planned on becoming a Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy after returning from his current deployment. Today the entire law enforcement community stands with the Lopez family, friends, fellow Marines, and all who loved him, praying for comfort, peace.”
Hunter was the victim of vicious evil and was killed because he wore a United States Marnie uniform with love and pride. Our entire community feels the anguish, and we mourn the death of Hunter, who answered the call to serve, defend and protect our nation. Like his parents who serve our community, being a Marine to Hunter wasn’t a job; it was a calling. He loved his family, and as we grieve for Hunter and his fellow Marines taken from us too soon, there are simply no words to express how deeply he will be missed — Semper Fi.
The Lopez family requests that all donations be made to the Riverside County Deputy Sheriff Relief Foundation in the name of the Lopez Family. The address is 21810 Cactus Avenue, Riverside, CA 92518. The Lopez family respectfully requests privacy during this incredibly difficult time. The family will share details and plans for the celebration of Hunter’s life at a later date.
Riverside Sheriff’s Association
Other service members killed in the bombing, according to the New York Post, include:
- Maxton Soviak, Berlin Heights, Ohio
- Kareem Nikoui, Norco, California
- David Lee Espinoza, Laredo, Texas
- Rylee McCollum, Bondurant, Wyoming
- Jared Schmitz, St. Charles County, Missouri
The identities of additional Marines and two Army soldiers have yet to be disclosed while the military works to inform their families.
