Officials at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, identified the cadet who was killed in Thursday's tactical vehicle accident at the historic institution's training area.
Cadet Christopher J. Morgan, from the Class of 2020, died from injuries sustained when the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle he was riding in rolled over and crashed, according to a news release from West Point.
The 22-year-old native of West Orange, New Jersey, died at the scene of the accident, the release states.
The vehicle, which was carrying 20 cadets and being driven by two soldiers, was traveling to a land navigation training site, according to an earlier news release.
"Cadet Morgan was a valued member of the Corps of Cadets and will be missed by all," Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, superintendent of the academy, said in the release.
"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."
Morgan was a law and legal studies major and a recruited athlete who was a standout member of the Army Wrestling Team, the release states.
"We are devastated by the news of Chris' passing. He was a talented, hardworking and determined athlete who loved his sport," West Point wrestling coach Kevin Ward said in the release. "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," he added.
The Corps of Cadets will hold a vigil to honor Morgan on Friday night. A memorial ceremony for the West Point community and private funeral service will be held at the academy next week, according to the release.
Nineteen cadets and the two soldiers riding in the vehicle received minor injuries in the crash, an earlier press release states. They were transported to Keller Army Community hospital and various other regional medical facilities, it added.
The accident remains under investigation.
-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
