Cadet, Star Athlete From West Orange Killed In West Point Crash

WEST POINT, NY — A West Point cadet from New Jersey was killed and 22 others, including cadets and two soldiers, were injured in a crash on Thursday involving an armored car near the U.S. Military Academy's summer training site, officials said. The cadets involved in the crash were part of the academy's class of 2020.

Cadet Christopher J. Morgan, Class of 2020, died due to injuries sustained from a military vehicle accident in the U.S. Military Academy’s training area, according to a news release.

Friends and family remembered him as a beloved teammate and good friend who was always striving for high achievement. He shattered wrestling records at West Orange High School, the school said. His father also spoke about his "hero" on video (see below).

“Cadet Morgan was a valued member of the Corps of Cadets and will be missed by all. The entire community is ensuring that our cadets are being cared for physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” said Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, superintendent of the U. S. Military Academy. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morgan family.”

Morgan, 22, of West Orange passed away at the scene of the accident. He was a Law and Legal Studies major, and a recruited athlete who was a standout member of the Army Wrestling Team, according to the release.

“We are devastated by the news of Chris’ passing. He was a talented, hardworking, and determined athlete who loved his sport,” said Army West Point Wrestling Coach Kevin Ward. “Chris had an infectious personality with a smile big enough to fill any room, and a heart big enough to love everyone around him. He made everyone around him better and he will be greatly missed.”

The Corps of Cadets will hold a vigil to honor Morgan tonight. A memorial ceremony for the West Point community and private funeral service will be held at the academy next week.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Morgan "represented the highest and best values of New Jersey."

"By all accounts, he was a standout in every regard – academically, athletically, and in the leadership he showed among his peers within the West Orange and West Point communities," he said. "Tammy and I add our deepest condolences and prayers to those being offered from across our state and around the nation to C.J.’s family, friends, and fellow cadets, and all who knew and were touched by him."

“West Point holds a special place as the crucible in which our nation’s heroes are forged. While C.J. was taken all too soon, it is our sincere hope that his legacy and memory will inspire others to reach for something greater than themselves, and seek a life of duty, honor, and service to our country.”

Morgan was a standout wrestler for West Orange High School who graduated in 2015. He finished in fifth place in the 182-pound class at the state Wrestling Championships in 2015 after a season that included a 30-1 record with 20 pins, according to nj.com. He was also 42-2 his senior year, which wad the most wins ever in a season for a West Orange wrestler, and he was also passionate about football, the report said.

His father remembered him as his "hero," a "shining star" and a "bright light."

Williams held a brief press conference Thursday afternoon near the site of the fatal training accident in Orange County, New York. The crash occurred as the vehicle, a personnel carrier, was going to a land navigation training, he said.

Most of the injured suffered non-life threatening injuries, according to Williams.

"This is the United States Army, we’re strong," Williams said in response to a reporter's question about how everyone at West Point felt.

Williams also thanked the local and state emergency responders for their work in the morning.

The crash occurred around 6:45 a.m. near Route 293. The injured were sent to local hospitals and the incident is under investigation, said Lt. Col. Christopher Ophardt. The vehicle, a military truck that can carry personnel, had two people in the front cab and the rest in the back.

Helicopter footage from WNBC showed a truck flipped over in a wooded area.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a statement after the news of the fatality.

My heart breaks for all those involved in the tragic training accident at West Point this morning. These courageous cadets and soldiers represent the best of New York State and our country, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their bravery in choosing to serve our country and protect our freedoms. This incident is made all the more heart wrenching as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day today, a day where we remember those who gave their lives for our country.

I am grateful to the first responders who are on the scene right now and am directing the State Office of Emergency Management to provide any resources necessary to assist.

On behalf of all New Yorkers, we pray for a speedy recovery for those involved and we share in the sorrow experienced by their loved ones during this extremely difficult time.

He also directed the State Office of Emergency Management to provide any resources necessary to assist.

Other state lawmakers also issued statements on the crash.

"While we are still learning more, my staff and I are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to work with the Academy as more details become available," said U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, in whose district the U.S. Military Academy is located. "Randy and I grieve with the West Point community and Army families impacted by this morning’s tragic accident. The loss of a young cadet is heartbreaking, and our prayers are with all who were injured."

West Point is located on the western bank of the Hudson River, about 50 miles north of New York City.

"The death of a West Point Cadet and the injury of cadets and soldiers during a training accident breaks our collective hearts," said state Assemblyman Colin Schmitt of New Windsor. "Thank you to the world class military and civilian first responders who responded to the scene and rendered aid.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said she would do everything possible in the Senate "to make sure the Army has every resource it needs to investigate this terrible accident, care for the injured, and support members of the community who are grieving.”

Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement later on Thursday:

"The cadets at the United States Military Academy and the service members who support them are some of the most courageous and selfless people in our nation. Members of our military make extraordinary sacrifices for our country, they willingly devote their lives to the noble causes of service and leadership, and they take great risks so that the rest of us can live in a country that is safe and free. The accident at West Point today is a devastating tragedy and my heart breaks for all those involved, their classmates, and their families. I will continue to closely monitor this situation and will do everything in my power in the Senate to make sure the Army has every resource it needs to investigate this terrible accident, care for the injured, and support members of the community who are grieving."

President Donald Trump said in a tweet that he was sorry to hear about the terrible accident.

The Natural Bridge summer training camp is southwest of the main campus. The camp, where the armored vehicle overturned, also houses regular Army personnel who help with summer training.

According to U.S. Army news, soldiers from Task Force 1-28th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division are leading this year's Cadet Summer Training at the U.S. Military Academy. The task force includes soldiers from Forts Benning, Bragg, Campbell and Stewart.

Tanks, Humvees, artillery cannons and other vehicles were shipped to New York for the summer.

"The task force Soldiers will be spending the summer leading all parts of summer training including the marksmanship ranges, land navigation courses and more. There will also be Soldiers walking each of the training lanes evaluating and grading the cadets. One of the companies within the task force will be spending the summer working as the opposition force the cadets will be battling against throughout the summer exercises," an article on www.usarmy.mil reported.

The U.S. Army describes the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle as having a 2.5-ton capacity "that performs general resupply, ammunition resupply, maintenance and recovery, and engineer support missions. It serves as weapon systems platforms for combat, combat support and combat service support units in a tactical environment."

Lanning Taliaferro, Patch Staff and the Associated Press contributed to this report.