It is with heavy hearts we announce the End of Watch for Antelope Valley CHP Officer Andy Ornelas, ID #21685.
On November 23, 2020, at approximately 7:05 pm, California Highway Patrol Motorcycle Officer, Andy Ornelas #21685, was responding to help parties who were involved in a traffic collision on SR-14. While on his way to the scene, another motorist did not see his motorcycle approaching him from behind when the driver pulled from the right shoulder to make a U-turn directly into Officer Ornelas’s path. Officer Ornelas’s motorcycle struck the other vehicle causing him to be thrown from his motorcycle – he sustained multiple injuries and was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital (AVH) in Lancaster in critical condition. Despite significant life-saving efforts by medical personnel, on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, Officer Ornelas succumbed to his injuries. Officer Ornelas was a member of the Department for four years.
Officer Ornelas is survived by his wife Taylor and a long line of family members involved in law enforcement. His father is an LAPD motorcycle officer, his mother a retired CHP officer, and his brother is currently a CHP officer. Officer Ornelas and his sister are past recipients of our 11-99 Foundation scholarship awards – Officer Ornelas received his last 11-99 scholarship award in 2013.
Please know the 11-99 Foundation will be providing immediate assistance in the amount of $50,000 to Officer Ornelas’s widow, Taylor, to help ease any financial burden.
Our hearts are with his family, colleagues, and friends. May this Fallen Hero rest in peace and may his loved ones find comfort in their memories and love.
If you would like to make a donation to the 11-99 Foundation in memory of Officer Ornelas, you may do so online at www.chp11-99.org/donate or mail a check payable to CHP 11-99 Foundation – 3188 Airway Avenue, Suite C, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Donations received will help to replenish our emergency and death benefits fund from which we draw when these tragedies occur.
Our most sincere thanks for your continued support, which sustains our mission of providing immediate assistance to CHP families.
-The CHP 11-99 Foundation Board & Staff
