SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KERO) — The California Highway Patrol honored the life of Officer Andy Ornelas who died Wednesday morning from injuries he received in a traffic accident.
Officer Ornelas was on motorcycle patrol when he was involved in a crash in Palmdale. He had multiple injuries and was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital where he later died.
He leaves behind his wife, Taylor; his mother, retired CHP Officer Kellie Ornelas; his father, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Arturo Ornelas; his brother, CHP Officer Cody Ornelas; his sister, Nikki Ornelas; and an uncle, retired CHP Captain Andreas Ornelas.
Thursday morning the CHP held a bell toll tribute ceremony for Officer Ornelas at the CHP Academy in Sacramento. He is the 232nd officer to die in the line of duty in the 91-year history of CHP.
"Officer Ornelas joins a selfless group of heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the safety security of others. We are forever grateful for his loyal and dedicated service," said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. "We show gratitude to his family for their sacrifice. Officer Ornelas epitomizes what a CHP officer should always be, a dedicated and loyal public servant. He will not be forgotten."
Ornelas was a 4-year veteran of the department.
The CAHP Credit Union has established a memorial fund for Officer Ornelas. One hundred percent of all donations received will go to Officer Ornelas's wife.
The credit union is covering all processing fees and administrative responsibilities.
Donations can be made on the CAHP Credit Union website.
