West Point Cadet Killed In Crash Thursday Identified

WEST POINT, NY — Officials at the U.S. Military Academy have identified the cadet who was killed Thursday when a personnel carrier rolled over on the way to a training exercise. He is Christopher J. Morgan, 22, of West Orange, N.J.

“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, 60th Superintendent, U. S. Military Academy.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morgan family.”

Morgan died 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.

“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.

Twenty-two others, including cadets and two soldiers, were injured in the crash near the U.S. Military Academy's summer training site in Orange County, New York, officials said. The cadets involved in the crash were part of the academy's class of 2020.

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.

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.

SEE ALSO: West Point Crash Near Training Camp: Cadet Killed, 22 Injured