Soldier Charged After Crash Kills W. Point Cadet From NJ: Reports

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Authorities have charged a U.S. Army sergeant with involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide in connection with a training accident that killed West Orange High School alum Christopher Morgan, reports say.

Morgan, 22, a senior at the U.S. Military West Point Academy, died in the June 6 rollover crash, which involved an armored car near the academy’s summer training site in Orange County, New York.

Morgan was a law and legal studies major, and a recruited athlete who was a standout member of the Army wrestling team.

• See related article: Cadet, Star Athlete From West Orange Killed In West Point Crash

Staff Sgt. Ladonies Strong was charged with multiple violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including involuntary manslaughter, negligent homicide, prevention of authorized seizure of property, reckless operation of a vehicle, and dereliction of duty in the crash, NBC New York reported Wednesday.

Strong is assigned to TF 1-28 from Fort Benning, Georgia, where she is currently waiting a preliminary hearing. Authorities haven’t decided whether the charges would be referred to a court-martial, NBC New York reported.

Details about the crash – which injured almost two dozen other passengers during a routine training exercise – have been sparse. Authorities previously said the 2.5-ton vehicle veered off Route 293 and rolled over, ending upside-down in a wooded area, NBC New York stated.

Morgan received full military honors before his burial at the historic West Point Cemetery, CBS New York reported.

The West Orange community has been reeling in the wake of Morgan’s death.

In June, the community came together for a memorial service at Morgan's old alma mater. The touching ceremony included a heartfelt speech from his family members, a performance of "Taps" by members of the WOHS Wind Ensemble, and a candlelight display of solidarity to the tune of "Lean on Me." (See below video)

• See related article: West Orange Mourns West Point Cadet Killed In Crash

A GoFundMe campaign to assist Morgan's family has garnered more than $73,000. (See the campaign or make a donation here).

In addition, a scholarship has been started in his name. Electronic contributions can be made by clicking here, or visiting the fund's webpage on the West Orange Schools website: https://www.woboe.org/scholarshipfund and clicking on the special CJ Morgan donation button. Note "CJ Morgan" in the Special Instructions section.

• See related article: West Orange Scholarship Honors Christopher Morgan

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