Each bracelet reads as follows:
HUNTER LOPEZ
KIA 26 AUGUST 2021
Abbey Gate, Hamid Karzai International Airport
Kabul, Afghanistan
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Black Aluminum Specs:
One-size-fits-all for adult.
When flat the bracelet measures 6.5"x0.5"
Metal thickness of 1.5mm
Brushed Stainless Steel Specs:
Comes in one-size-fits-all for adult.
When flat the bracelet measures 7in. x 0.6in.
Lopez was a Corporal who hailed from California and planned to follow in his parent’s footsteps and become a sheriff’s deputy once he was done with deployment, CBS Los Angeles reported.
The Riverside Sheriff’s Association released a statement on behalf of Lopez’s parents, Riverside Deputy Sheriff Alicia Lopez and Riverside Sheriff’s Captain Herman Lopez, the outlet reported.
“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,” the statement said.
The RSA said Lopez was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines “who answered the call to serve, defend and protect our nation.”
“Hunter was the victim of vicious evil and was killed because he wore a United States [Marine] uniform with love and pride. Our entire community feels the anguish, and we mourn the death of Hunter,” the statement continued.
“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 family asked for all donations to be made to the Riverside County Deputy Sheriff Relief Foundation.