EXCLUSIVE: Marine Cpl Hunter Lopez’s parents share his story
On August 26, 2021, Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez, 22, was among 13 U.S. service members killed in a terrorist attack during evacuations at an airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Check out the Extended Hour-Long Interview with the Lopez family below:
Hunter was born in Palm Springs, grew up in Indio, and graduated from La Quinta High School in 2017. He is survived by his parents, Herman and Alicia, brother Owen and sister Trinity.
His parents are both members of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. His father is Riverside County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Herman Lopez, who previously served as Police Chief for La Quinta and Captain of the Thermal Station. His mother is Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy and RSA Board Vice President Alicia Lopez.
Hunter and Herman Lopez 
The Lopez Family
Herman and Alicia Lopez spoke with News Channel 3's Peter Daut for their first sit-down interview.
"We're still coping. We're still trying to get by and feel our way through," Herman Lopez told Daut.
Alicia added, "Thank goodness for people's prayers, and the love that they have shown us. Because honestly without that, I don't think I'd be able to get out of bed."
News of Hunter's passing prompted tributes and memorials from local leaders, schools, and many members of the community.
Hunter was devoted to serving others.
Before joining the Marine Corps, he served as a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Explorer Scout from 2014-2017, where he obtained the rank of Captain.
In his four years with the Marine Corps, he was part of the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company A, 5th Platoon. He was most recently a member of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Golf Company, 1st Platoon, 3rd squad.
Watch: Celebration of Life service for fallen Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez
When asked when Hunter decided to become a marine, Herman responded: "For sure in high school. By then he decided that was the path he wanted to go down. As soon as he was able to, he started talking to a recruiter. Did that all on his own. He traveled down to the recruiting office in Palm Desert, and talked to a recruiter about the opportunities the military would provide."
Hunter was devoted to serving others and perfecting himself in order to be the best Explorer and Marine possible.
"Whether at work or at home, Hunter strived for perfection, seeking knowledge and experience from those he respected and admired. When on leave, Hunter enjoyed being around family and friends and sharing his experiences with everyone. He lived life to the fullest and was often the reason why family and friends would bend over backwards to get together when he was around."
- Riverside County Sheriff's Department
The 22-year-old arrived in Afghanistan in the final days of America's decades-long war there. In his last phone call with his parents, he described the chaos in helping people evacuate.
"He had been up all this time, and it was just horrible to see these kids out there, people suffering," Alicia said. Herman added, "Hunter had a soft spot for kids, and so he was making sure he could help as many of those kids as he could. So he told us about, not only him, but a lot of his friends were giving all their rations away, all their food and water away."
Hunter Lopez
Hunter also told them about a little boy who had been separated from his family. Hunter carried that boy for miles to get him to safety.
They also learned from Hunter's fellow marines that just moments before the deadly explosion at the Kabul Airport, he saved two young girls who were being crushed by the panicked crowd.
"He pulled one out, handed to his friend, and he took her on the side and gave her water, came back for the other one. They gave each other a fist bump, and Hunter told him 'I'm gonna go back.' They separated, and a few seconds later the blast happened." Daut responded: "It must give you some semblance of comfort knowing he did accomplish what he wanted in terms of saving lives." Herman replied: "Yes. This particular mission was to save people and help people. And that's exactly what happened."
Shortly before learning of his death, Alicia said she sensed something was wrong and began to pray for her son. "We had gone to my daughter's volleyball game, and when we came home, as I was pulling into the driveway I saw the government vehicle and the two marines step out of the car. And after that it gets a little foggy."
The grief for Hunter was felt throughout the Valley. The Lopez family said the support they received from the community was overwhelming.
"It's just this outpour of love that we've received," Alicia said.
Herman added, "To Coachella Valley and beyond, a big thank you for always supporting us. From day one we had that support as soon as we turned into our community here."
A scholarship fund has now been established in Hunter's name for students at LQHS who pursue careers in public service.
To donate, visit: https://desert-sands-educational-foundation.snwbll.com/hunter-lopez-memorial-scholarship-fund
The family has also created the "Hunter Lopez memorial Foundation" to help those who protect and serve our nation.
The foundation has already sponsored two service dogs for active service members and sponsored several families to attend their children's graduation from Marine boot camp.
To donate visit: https://hunterlopezmemorialfoundation.org/
Check Out Some of Our Previous Coverage on Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez and learn more about his story and how the community honored his sacrifice:
