In Memory: Laurel, Hannah, Zoe and Lucia Constantinides
Laurel and Alex Constantinides with daughters from left Lucia, Zoe and Hannah. Photo courtesy of the Colorado Springs Gazette.
Laurel Constantinides, 38, a social worker from Colorado Springs, died along with her three adopted daughters when their van hit a flash flood on July 19 and plunged into a swollen creek in Wyoming, according to this Denver Post article. Her husband Alex, who was driving the vehicle, survived.
Laurel and Alex adopted Hannah, 8, and Zoe, 5, from China and Lucia, 2, from South Korea. Laurel, who earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, became an adoption advocate when she went to work for Chinese Children Charities.
Laurel helped Andy Leong navigate the regulatory and legal roadblocks to adopt three children from China, according to this article in the Colorado Springs Gazette. Leong spoke at her memorial service.
“Laurel radiated safety,” he said. “She wasn’t just doing her job, she was a friend who could always identify with you.”
Our sympathies to Alex Constantinides and the Constantinides’ family and friends.
| Leave A CommentAdvertisement
5 Comments
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Truly, tragic…thoughts and sympathy to her husband and family.
Heart breaks for the loss for the family, community, and our profession. Thank you for sharing this story.
I do not even know this family but I have been deeply affected by this painfully sad story. My heart goes out to Alex and other family members. I am so deeply sorry for the tremendous loss of this amazing mother and her beautiful daughters. God bless and comfort this family.
What a tragedy! God bless her and her beautiful daughters. My sympathies to her husband and the rest of the family.
I know its been a long time since this is happened, but if the Husband is reading this, I’m sorry I know how hard it is to let it go. I my self knew all of these children, thanks to Stars National Gymnastics Village. I’m so sorry!!!