Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez

Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California, served with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, at Camp Pendleton. He was killed on August 26, 2021, when an ISIS-K suicide bomber attacked Abbey Gate at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. He had been in Afghanistan for about week assisting with the evacuation.

Cpl Lopez grew up in California’s Coachella Valley. He graduated from La Quinta High School in 2017. From 2014 through 2017, he served with Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Explorer Post 507, ultimately becoming its captain. He then joined the Marine Corps and served for four years, including three years with Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company A. He planned to become a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy after completing his military service.

Cpl Lopez’s family and friends remembered his infectious smile, lively personality, devotion to service and determination to improve himself. Friends from the Explorer program remembered his humor, leadership and clearly defined ambition.

Cpl Lopez was survived by his parents, brother and sister.