Her life was marked by unimaginable tragedy and powerful resilience — a journey of heartbreak, hope, and love that touched people around the world.
Lori Coble, the California mom who captured hearts after losing her three young children in a tragic crash and later welcoming triplets, has passed away from brain cancer at age 48.
Lori Coble’s story was one of pain, perseverance, and deep love. In 2007, Lori and her husband Chris Coble suffered a devastating loss when their three children — 5-year-old Kyle, 4-year-old Emma, and 2-year-old Katie — were killed in a freeway crash involving a big rig. Lori, who was also injured, woke up in the hospital unaware of the full tragedy that had unfolded.
Chris described the heartbreaking moment of saying goodbye: “She’s climbing out of the wheelchair the best she can to hug Kyle and saying: ‘He’s got to go be with his sisters now.’”
Despite their unimaginable grief, the Cobles made a promise to one another: to keep living, loving, and somehow find light in the darkest of days.
But even with this new joy, the pain lingered.
“The first three years of raising the triplets… you’re in pain on the inside,” Chris shared. “I’d go into the other room and cry real quick and come back and put a smile on my face.”
Through it all, Lori remained a steady, loving presence. Friends called her “extraordinary,” and above all, a devoted mom.
In mid-2025, Lori began showing signs something was wrong — bumping into things, stumbling, and eventually showing stroke-like symptoms. A medical scan revealed the unthinkable: a large, aggressive brain tumor known as glioblastoma.
“I was hoping we were done with life-altering disasters,” Chris said.
Lori fought hard. She endured two major brain surgeries, a stroke, and a long hospital stay. She began chemotherapy and radiation, but the treatment left her weak and struggling to speak. Later, doctors found a dangerous brain infection that required another surgery. Then came pneumonia.
Despite everything, Chris stayed by her side. “I don’t want to have any regrets,” he said. “I’m trying to make every day the best I can make it for her.”
Lori passed away peacefully on the evening of January 21, surrounded by family. Chris announced her death in a touching Facebook post, writing: “Lori passed at 9:25 pm this evening.”
The family’s journey — marked by unimaginable sorrow, miraculous new life, and now another heartbreaking loss — has moved people across the country. A GoFundMe campaign to support the family and Lori’s legacy has raised over $325,000.
Lori Coble’s life was filled with both profound tragedy and powerful love. Through it all, she remained a symbol of courage, compassion, and unwavering motherhood.
Her story reminds us that even in the face of unbearable loss, it’s possible to keep going — not by forgetting the pain, but by carrying it with love, and living for those we hold dear.
As Chris and the triplets face a new chapter, they do so with the strength Lori gave them — and with the support of a community forever touched by her life.