Lafayette Grieves Loss of Kendra Hodges, Beloved Purdue Staff Member Killed in Tragic House Fire
A wave of sorrow and disbelief has swept through Lafayette, Indiana, and the wider Purdue University community following the tragic loss of Kendra Hodges, a deeply cherished mother, friend, and dedicated university staff member. Kendra’s life was heartbreakingly cut short on Saturday, July 5, 2025, when a sudden and devastating house fire engulfed her family home in Romney, Indiana, claiming her life and leaving a community shattered in grief.
Kendra, 39, was more than just a familiar face on Purdue’s campus — she was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and tireless commitment. For over a decade, she served in a support role at the university’s College of Agriculture, where colleagues knew her not only for her professional excellence, but also for her ever-present smile, her willingness to help anyone in need, and her unshakable positivity even in the face of challenges.
“She was the heart of our department,” said one colleague. “Her desk was always a place people stopped by — not just for work-related questions, but to be uplifted. She had this quiet strength about her and a genuine care for everyone she met.”
The fire broke out in the early morning hours, and by the time firefighters arrived on the scene, the home was already fully engulfed in flames. Emergency crews worked heroically to contain the blaze and search for any survivors, but tragically, Kendra could not be saved. Her children, who were also inside the home, were safely rescued thanks to the swift actions of first responders and neighbors. They are currently receiving care and support from extended family and community members.
Officials from the Tippecanoe County Fire Department and State Fire Marshal’s Office are still investigating the cause of the fire, though preliminary reports suggest it may have originated in the kitchen area. Investigators do not suspect foul play at this time but emphasize that a full report will be released once the cause is confirmed.
In the days since the tragedy, an outpouring of grief and love has flooded social media and local news outlets. Friends, coworkers, students, and neighbors have shared memories of Kendra — her laughter at tailgate events, her devotion to her children, her homemade desserts that she’d bring to office potlucks, and her unwavering belief in the good in others.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by friends of the family to support her children and help them rebuild their lives in the wake of this unimaginable loss. Within hours, the page surpassed its initial goal, a testament to the impact Kendra made in so many lives.
“She gave everything she had to her family and community,” wrote a close friend on the fundraiser page. “Now it’s our turn to give something back to her.”
Purdue University has announced plans to host a candlelight vigil later this week on campus in remembrance of Kendra’s life and her enduring legacy of kindness and service. The university has also offered grief counseling services for students and staff affected by the loss.
As Lafayette mourns, it also remembers. It remembers a woman whose life, though tragically short, was filled with purpose, love, and light. A woman who juggled work, motherhood, and community with grace and humor. A woman whose quiet impact rippled far beyond what she likely ever realized.
Kendra Hodges is survived by her two young children, her parents, siblings, and an entire community that will forever hold her in their hearts.