Photo that accompanied Yaniel's obituary on the funeral home website.
Contributed by rkohler4 on 5/19/25 - Image Year: 2020
YANIEL "GG" J. ORTIZ-MALDONADO
Obituary for Yaniel J. “GG” Ortiz-Maldonado, 21, of Port Royal, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Milford Twp., Juniata County as a result of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident.
Born on February 17, 2004, in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, he is the son of Jose J. Ortiz of Puerto Rico; Maria C. Maldonado of Port Royal; and is also the beloved stepson of Julio Cesar Marcia of Port Royal.
In addition to his parents and stepfather, he is survived by his companion, Lorena Rivera of Port Royal; five siblings, Cristian Ortiz and his companion Halee Decker of Mifflin; Lorena Ortiz, Mia Esparza, Angel Chavarria, and Ceci Marcia all of Port Royal; one nephew, Kenai Ortiz; and many friends who he considered to be family.
GG was a 2022 graduate of Juniata High School in Mifflintown where he excelled in sports, especially football and basketball and was involved with the Student Council.
Currently, he was employed with JPH Enterprises, LLC in Mifflintown.
He attended the Mifflintown Family Worship and Activity Center and enjoyed fishing, hunting, being outdoors and going on adventures, working out at the gym, riding his dirt bike, driving his truck and listening to music loudly, and cherished being his brother’s keeper; however, his greatest joy came from time spent with his family and friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the Life Center of Cedar Grove Brethren in Christ Church, 287 Deerville Road, Mifflintown with Pastor Melvin Fisher officiating. Interment will follow in Union Memorial Gardens, Mifflintown.
A time for receiving friends will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral services at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday at the church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 100 Bridge St., Mifflintown.
Online condolences and tributes can be shared with the family at www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.
THE INCIDENT AS PER THE LEWISTOWN SENTINEL:
According to a release from the Mifflintown Hose Co. No. 1 Facebook page on Thursday evening, Licking Creek Road was closed between Stetler Road and Muddy Run Road in Milford Township, Juniata County, for a fatal motor vehicle accident.
A release from Pennsylvania State Police stated that a motorcyclist, Yaniel Ortiz Maldonado of Port Royal, 21, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The accident occurred at approximately 7:32 p.m. on Thursday.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, their crash investigation determined that Maldonado, driving a 2024 Suzuki sport motorcycle with a helmet on, was traveling North on Licking Creek Road at a high rate of speed.
Maldonado was not able to properly negotiate a right curve in the roadway and veered into the left lane. He then lost control of the motorcycle and began skidding across the roadway.
During this time, another vehicle was traveling south. The second vehicle attempted to veer onto the shoulder to avoid Maldonado but was unsuccessful in doing so.
Maldonado’s motorcycle continued for approximately 200 feet before reaching its final rest.
Several witnesses were interviewed on the scene. Pennsylvania State Police of Lewistown continues its investigation.
