Hudson native dies in California explosion

HUDSON -- Family members on Saturday said a person who died in an apparent propane explosion at a military housing complex in California was an Iowa native.

According to the Associated Press, around 9 p.m. Friday,  a propane gas tank ignited and then exploded for unknown reasons at a complex in Coleville, Calif., about 30 miles from the U.S. Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center.

The blast damaged several residences, and 38 families were temporarily evacuated.

Although the name of the person killed in the explosion had not been officially released, family members in Iowa said they were notified Saturday that the victim was Lori Hardin, 31, a graduate of Hudson High School.

Kathy Harkema, of Montezuma, said she is a cousin of Hardin's mother, Capi Lewis, who lives in Hudson with her husband, Bob.

According to Harkema, Hardin, is survived by her husband Greg and sons Brady, 4, and Ashton, 2.

Hardin grew up in Hudson, and Harkema said the vibrant blonde 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.

Two other people were injured in Friday's blast, according to the Associated Press. Harkema said she learned Lori Hardin's two sons were also in the home at the time of the explosion, but said she doesn't know their conditions.

According to Harkema, Bob and Capi Lewis flew out to California on Saturday in order to be with Hardin's children.

"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 is serving his 15th year with the Marines, and had been deployed overseas more than once, Harkema said. Throughout those deployments, Lori served as the "rock of the family," she said.

"She was a very special person and touched a lot of lives," Harkema said.