West Point Cadet Killed in Military Vehicle Accident Identified

The US Military Academy has identified the West Point cadet killed in Thursday's vehicle crash at West Point as 22-year-old Christopher J. Morgan of West Orange, New Jersey.

“Morgan died due to injuries sustained from a military vehicle accident in the US Military Academy’s training area,” the academy announced on Friday.

“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, the superintendent of the US Military Academy at West Point, added. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morgan family.”

'Heartbroken for the cadet who was killed in service to our nation at my alma mater, West Point.'

According to the official document, Morgan was a Law and Legal Studies major and a recruited athlete who was a "standout member of the Army Wrestling Team.”

The academy’s Wrestling Coach, Kevin Ward, described the deceased as a man who made everyone around him better.

“We are devastated by the news of Chris' passing. He was a talented, hardworking, and determined athlete who loved his sport. 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 academy stated that nineteen other cadets and two soldiers were injured in Thursday’s accident that happened around 6:45 am off Route 293 in New York’s Orange County, reports CNN.

The institution added that the cadets, from the class of 2020, were “in a light medium tactical vehicle and were on their way to a land navigation course where they were going to do a map reading exercise” when the accident occurred.

Following the tragic incident, President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences.

“So sorry to hear about the terrible accident involving our GREAT West Point Cadets,” he wrote. “We mourn the loss of life and pray for the injured. God Bless them ALL!”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a West Point alumni, also sent his condolences via the same platform.

“Heartbroken for the cadet who was killed in service to our nation at my alma mater, West Point. May the cadet’s family find peace in knowing our nation will always honor that commitment. Praying for them, the injured cadets and all of their families. May the Lord be with you all.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Christopher Morgan and the entire West Point population during this difficult time.