New Jersey to Honor West Point Cadet Killed in Vehicle Rollover During Training Event

Flags will fly at half-staff in New Jersey to honor a cadet killed in a vehicle rollover during a training exercise at the U.S. Military Academy earlier this month.

West Point officials have said Christopher Morgan, of West Orange, died Thursday when a tactical vehicle carrying cadets overturned in wooded terrain.

The 22-year-old Morgan was a law and legal studies major in the Class of 2020.

He was a recruited athlete and a standout member of the Army wrestling team.

Morgan was the lone cadet to die in a violent rollover crash near the U.S. Military Academy in West Point that hurt nearly two dozen others, including two U.S. Army soldiers.

"Cadet Morgan was a valued member of the Corps of Cadets and will be missed by all," Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, 60th Superintendent, U. S. Military Academy, said in a statement. "The entire community is ensuring that our cadets are being cared for physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morgan family."

West Point's wrestling coach described Morgan as 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," coach Kevin Ward said. "He made everyone around him better and he will be greatly missed.

Morgan was among 19 cadets being driven by two U.S. Army soldiers early Thursday when their 2.5-ton tactical vehicle somehow veered off Route 293 and rolled over, ending upside-down in a thickly wooded area, around 6:45 a.m. They were heading out as part of a routine training exercise, and officials weren't able to provide any additional details Thursday afternoon on how the accident may have happened. The investigation is ongoing.