Andrew Duarte Death & Obituary: On the morning of February 22, 2025, a heartbreaking incident unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, resulting in the deaths of West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte and the assailant, Diogenes Archangel Ortiz. The tragic event has left the community grieving and raised concerns about safety in healthcare environments.
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Timeline of the UPMC Memorial Shooting
At approximately 10:35 a.m., Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, 49, entered the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) armed with a pistol and zip ties. He proceeded to take several staff members hostage, including a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian.
During the standoff, Archangel Ortiz shot and injured three hospital staff members and two responding police officers. A fourth hospital employee sustained injuries from a fall during the chaos. Tragically, Officer Andrew Duarte was fatally shot during the exchange, while law enforcement officers returned fire, resulting in the death of Archangel Ortiz.
Remembering Officer Andrew Duarte’s Life and Service
Officer Andrew Duarte served with the West York Borough Police Department since 2022, following a five-year tenure with the Denver Police Department. His dedication to public safety was unwavering — in 2021, he received a “hero award” from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his work in impaired driving enforcement. His career was marked by courage, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to protecting his community.
Who Was Diogenes Archangel Ortiz?
Authorities identified the gunman as Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, who had prior interactions with the hospital earlier in the week regarding another individual’s medical care. Investigators believe Ortiz deliberately targeted ICU staff during the attack, though the full motive remains under investigation.
Community Grieves the Loss of a Hero
The incident has deeply impacted the York community. Governor Josh Shapiro met with Officer Duarte’s family and the wounded officers, expressing his condolences and gratitude for their bravery. He condemned the attack as “the act of a coward” and praised law enforcement’s swift response.
In front of the West York Borough Police Department, a makeshift memorial has emerged. Community members, like Linda Shields, whose son is a police officer, placed flowers and candles, mourning the senseless loss. “He was so young. It makes no sense at all,” she said, reflecting the collective sorrow of the town.
UPMC Memorial Hospital Secures Safety and Begins Healing
UPMC Memorial Hospital, a five-story, 104-bed facility that opened in 2019, has been secured, with officials confirming no patients were harmed. The hospital is fully cooperating with state and local authorities as investigations continue, and staff are receiving counseling and support to process the traumatic event.
Conclusion: Honoring the Lives Lost and Supporting the Community
The UPMC Memorial shooting is a sobering reminder of the risks first responders and healthcare workers face every day. While the loss of Officer Andrew Duarte is immeasurable, his bravery and dedication will never be forgotten. As the York community mourns, they also come together to support the survivors and honor the legacy of a hero who gave his life in the line of duty.
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