West Point has announced the identity of the cadet who died in a vehicle rollover accident on Thursday.
Cadet Christopher J. Morgan, 22, died from injuries suffered in the accident that injured at least 19 other cadets and two soldiers, according to a West Point news release on Friday.
We join @WestPoint_USMA in mourning the passing of Cadet C.J. Morgan.
“Chris had an infectious personality with a smile big enough to fill any room, and a heart big enough to love everyone around him.”@ArmyWP_Wres coach @CoachKWard https://t.co/qgOX7JkDuh
— ArmyWestPoint Sports (@GoArmyWestPoint) June 7, 2019
“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,” Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, 60th Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy said in the release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morgan family,” he added.
Morgan, a native of West Orange, New Jersey, was an anticipated 2020 graduate majoring in Law and Legal Studies. He was also an accomplished athlete, recruited for his athletic performance, and he became a top talent in 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.”
“Our thoughts are with the @WestPoint_USMA community as they mourn the loss of cadet Christopher J. Morgan. We extend heartfelt wishes of recovery to the injured,” the Department of Defense tweeted Friday afternoon.
Our thoughts are with the @WestPoint_USMA community as they mourn the loss of cadet Christopher J. Morgan. We extend heartfelt wishes of recovery to the injured. https://t.co/EIne7Ivdhn
— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) June 7, 2019
“So sorry to hear about the terrible accident involving our GREAT West Point Cadets. We mourn the loss of life and pray for the injured. God Bless them ALL!” President Trump tweeted Thursday.
So sorry to hear about the terrible accident involving our GREAT West Point Cadets. We mourn the loss of life and pray for the injured. God Bless them ALL!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2019
West Point’s Corps of Cadets will hold a vigil in Morgan’s honor Friday night. Next week, a formal memorial ceremony will be held, along with a funeral service.
Officials are investigating how the rollover occurred. The incident took place in the early morning hours on a public road near Camp Natural Bridge training area.
“Nineteen cadets and two Soldiers also received minor injuries as a result of the accident where a M1085 medium tactical vehicle long wheelbase cargo truck rolled over at approximately 6:45 a.m. off Route 293 near Camp Natural Bridge in the West Point training area,” West Point tweeted Thursday night.
Nineteen cadets and two Soldiers also received minor injuries as a result of the accident where a M1085 medium tactical vehicle long wheelbase cargo truck rolled over at approximately 6:45 a.m. off Route 293 near Camp Natural Bridge in the West Point training area.
— U.S. Military Academy (@WestPoint_USMA) June 7, 2019
Initial reports said a “non-responsive” victim with “serious injuries” had been airlifted to a local hospital, while around five other cadets were taken to the hospital for their non-life-threatening injuries.
