McAllen Marine killed in aviation accident, buried

MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) – A McAllen native who died in an aviation accident was laid to rest Thursday afternoon.

Miguel Angel Maya, 23, died April 23 at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California.

According to military officials, Maya was a U/AH-1 aircraft avionics technician with earned awards including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Maya enlisted as a Marine on April 27, 2020 and died four days before his fourth year of service.

Maya’s body was received at McAllen International Airport on Wednesday morning.

“The City of McAllen will forever be indebted to him for his integrity, courage and service as a U.S. Marine,” the City of McAllen said in a news release.

The funeral service honoring Maya was held at Funeraria Del Angel, 3611 N. Taylor Rd. in the mission.

The service was followed by a funeral at which Maya received military honors.