LAFAYETTE, IN — A profound wave of grief has swept across the greater Lafayette and Purdue University communities following the untimely and tragic loss of Kendra Hodges, who passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in a devastating house fire that tore through her family home in Romney, Indiana.
Kendra, a respected member of the Purdue University staff, was more than just a colleague—she was a cherished friend, a loving mother, and a vibrant part of every circle she touched. Her sudden passing has left a void that feels both unfathomable and deeply personal to so many who knew her.
Emergency crews were called to the scene in the early hours of Saturday morning, where flames had fully engulfed the Hodges residence. Despite the swift response of local fire departments and first responders, the fire claimed Kendra’s life before she could be rescued. The home, a place once filled with love, warmth, and memories, was reduced to charred ruins in a matter of moments. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by fire officials and state authorities.
News of the tragedy has left neighbors and friends in stunned silence. The small, tight-knit town of Romney has rallied together in the wake of the disaster, offering prayers, donations, and support for the Hodges family as they navigate unimaginable loss.
At Purdue University, where Kendra dedicated much of her professional life, staff and faculty mourn the passing of not just a colleague, but a vibrant and compassionate woman who poured her heart into her work. Known for her thoughtful leadership, infectious smile, and unwavering dedication to helping students and staff succeed, Kendra left an imprint on every project and every person she encountered.
“She was the kind of person who made you feel seen,” one coworker shared. “Even on the busiest days, she would stop to ask how you were—and actually wait to hear your answer. She was deeply human in the best possible way.”
Outside of her professional role, Kendra was above all a devoted mother. Her love for her children was boundless, and she worked tirelessly to create a safe, joyful, and nurturing environment for them. Her family was her anchor, and everything she did was grounded in her fierce love and sense of responsibility to those closest to her.
As tributes continue to pour in across social media and community memorial boards, one thing is clear: Kendra Hodges’ legacy is one of kindness, commitment, and compassion. She lived with purpose, and her life—though cut tragically short—was full of meaning.
A memorial service to honor Kendra’s life will be announced in the coming days. Purdue University has also stated it will hold a campus remembrance gathering, providing students, faculty, and staff a place to share memories, grieve together, and reflect on the powerful impact Kendra made within the university family.
In the face of this heartbreaking loss, the Lafayette and Romney communities are standing strong together—united in grief, but also in love and gratitude for having known someone as truly special as Kendra Hodges.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support the surviving family members as they recover from the loss and begin the long journey of rebuilding their lives. Donations, meals, and words of support are already pouring in from across Indiana and beyond.
As we mourn, we also remember: Kendra’s light cannot be extinguished by this tragedy. It lives on in the lives she touched, the students she helped guide, the colleagues she supported, and the children she loved so dearly.
Rest in peace, Kendra. You will be missed beyond words and remembered forever.