HUDSON – Family members of Hudson, Iowa, native Lori Hardin are mourning the loss of the “very special” young mother who died in an explosion near a Marine Corps training base Friday.
According to the Associated Press, a propane gas explosion occurred at 9 p.m. in military housing in Coleville, Calif., about 30 miles from the U.S. Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center.
The blast damaged several housing residences, and 38 families were temporarily evacuated, according to the Associated Press.
Although the name of the one person killed in the explosion has not been officially released, Hardin’s family members in Iowa said they were notified today.
Kathy Harkema, of Montezuma, is the cousin of Hardin’s mother, Capi Lewis, who lives in Hudson with her husband, Bob.
According to Harkema, Hardin, 31, is survived by her husband Greg and sons Brady, 4, and Ashton, 2.
Hardin grew up in Hudson, and Harkema said the vibrant blond was working as an assistant professor for Ashford University, instructing online courses. Being a teacher was fitting for Hardin, Harkema said.
“She was a real caring person, and had that care and concern for others,” Harkema said.
According to Harkema, Bob and Capi Lewis flew out to California Saturday in order to be with Hardin’s young sons.
“Obviously it’s tragic when anyone loses their life, but especially a young mother who leaves behind two small children and her husband, it’s just a real tragedy,” Harkema said.
Hardin’s husband Greg was serving his 15th year in the Marines, and had been previously deployed overseas more than once, Harkema said. Throughout those deployments, Hardin served as the “rock of the family,” she said.
According to the Associated Press, the blast occurred when a propane tank in the housing area was ignited due to unknown causes. The explosion is still under investigation.
Two other people were injured in the blast, according to the Associated Press. Harkema said she learned the two sons were also in the home at the time of the explosion, but said she doesn’t know their conditions.
For family, Harkema said it’s important to remember Hardin as the “caring person” she was.
“She was a very special person and touched a lot of lives,” Harkema said.
