20-year-old killed in crash one day after becoming a Marine

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A recent high school graduate died in a single-vehicle crash the day after he enlisted with the Marines, family members say.

Christopher Loper, 20, lost control of his car on Central Church Road in Douglasville and hit a pole, family members told Channel 2's Chris Jose. 

Loper died at the scene.

“He went and picked up his girlfriend. They celebrated, and he had just dropped her off. He was on the way home,” said Lynn Loper, the victim’s grandmother. “He was five minutes from our house.”

Lynn Loper said it was her grandson’s childhood dream to become a Marine.

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“It makes me proud. I’m sad he didn’t get to fulfill his dream, but at least I know that is what he wanted more than anything,” said Lynn Loper.

Christopher Loper’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday at Hightower Memorial Chapel in Douglasville.

Christopher Loper graduated from Alexander High School, said family members.

The family is seeking donations to help pay for the funeral. You can donate on their GoFundMe page.

Cox Media Group