Memorial Service Held For 4 Lost Family Members

The impact that a Colorado Springs family made on lives in Colorado and Wyoming was evident Wednesday at a memorial service for four members killed in an accident early last week.

More than 1,200 people gathered in a ballroom at the Antlers Hilton Hotel to remember Laurel Constantinides, 39, and her daughters Hannah, 8, Zoe, 5, and Lucy, 2. They were victims of a July 18 incident in which their van fell into a washed-out section of highway in Wyoming and was swept away in a creek during a rainstorm.

The family was on a camping trip at the time. The husband and father, Alex, survived. He’s a well-known doctor and mixed martial arts fighter.

“From rushing water, they flew heavenward,” said Jen Winkelmann, a family friend.

The girls were adopted from China and the ballroom was decorated with Chinese themes. Laurel also supported other parents who adopted Chinese children.

Each attendee received a program containing a red thread to symbolize the connection the family had with many people. The room was so full that people stood against the walls and outside the doors to hear 10 people share memories of the family.

The family was remembered for being close and for helping and encouraging others. The girls were described as precocious and endearing.

One of the speakers, Andy Leong, thanked Laurel for helping him adopt three Chinese children of his own.

“Celebrate each moment,” said another friend, Katherine Spicer. “Because you never know when will be the last time you will see a loved one.”

Lauren and the girls were cremated. Their funeral was Monday.

A fund to help the family pay funeral expenses is available at Chase Bank in Colorado Springs. Alex also asked that donations be made to Half The Sky, an international adoption agency.