The U.S. Military Academy has identified the cadet killed in Thursday’s training accident as Christopher Morgan, of West Point’s Class of 2020. In a Facebook post Friday, West Point said the 22-year-old New Jersey native died due to injuries sustained from a military vehicle accident in the Academy’s training area.
“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 Williams, the Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morgan family.”
West Point says Morgan died at the scene. The vehicle was transporting cadets to a land navigation site for training, near Camp Natural Bridge. Morgan was a Law and Legal Studies major, and a 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 Friday night. A memorial ceremony for the West Point community and a private funeral service will be held at the academy next week.
Nineteen other cadets and two Army soldiers were injured in Thursday’s incident.
