Body of fallen marine arrives home in McAllen

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The body of U.S. Marine Cpl. Miguel Angel Maya arrived back home in McAllen Wednesday.

Maya, a McAllen native, died on April 23 in an "aviation ground mishap," at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton in California, according to military officials.

Courtesy: US Marine Corps.

The 23-year-old U/AH-1 Aircraft Avionics Technician was awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Maya's body was received Wednesday morning at the McAllen International Airport.

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

ValleyCentral spoke with Guadalupe Maya, Miguel's mother, who said her son died doing what he loved most.

Guadalupe said she has not learned exactly what happened yet, but that it seemed to have been an accident and that Miguel did not suffer.

Maya will receive military honors and be buried at the Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission. Guadalupe welcomes the public to attend Miguel's funeral services.