BRADENTON, Fla. — His family says of 22-year-old Adrian Lopez Jr. was one exam away from an engineering degree.
"He had such big expectations for his life. He wanted to become an engineer and make a difference," said Karina Lopez, Adrian's sister.
But that dream was destroyed on December 3rd. Adrian was visiting his parents when their Bradenton home exploded with them inside. Adrian and his father have been in the hospital ever since. This week, Adrian died from his injuries.
"He’s left a big hole in our heart," said Karina.
Hours before the explosion, the family's attorney C.J. Czaia says emergency crews were called to the area after a company was drilling and hit a gas line.
Czaia says the Lopez family had evacuated the home but were told by first responders it was safe to go back inside.
Not long later, the home exploded.
"Multiple people have failed this family, this neighborhood, and our community," said Czaia.
Czaia says now their goal is to hold the parties involved accountable to help make sure nothing like this happens again.
Adrian's funeral is planned for Wednesday, Jan. 20th at 1 pm.. at the Westside Funeral Home in Palmetto.
If you’re interested in helping with funeral costs, visit the family's GoFundMe page.
