West Orange Holds Memorial For West Point Cadet Killed In Crash

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A memorial service in memory of Christopher Morgan, a senior at the U.S. Military West Point Academy who was fatally injured in a training exercise last week, will take place in West Orange on Tuesday as the community continues to reel from the cadet’s sudden death.

According to district officials, the memorial service will take place at 7 p.m. on June 11 at the West Orange High School Tarnoff Gymnasium, 51 Conforti Avenue. The public is invited to attend; doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Authorities said the June 6 crash – which involved an armored car near the U.S. Military Academy's summer training site in Orange County, New York – injured 22 other cadets, all part of the 2020 graduating class.

Morgan, 22, of West Orange, passed away at the scene of the accident. He was a law and legal studies major, and a recruited athlete who was a standout member of the Army wrestling team, the U.S. Military Academy stated.

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• See related article: Cadet, Star Athlete From West Orange Killed In West Point Crash
• See related article: West Orange High School Wrestler Heading to West Point

On the day of the crash, Acting West Orange School Superintendent Eveny de Mendez issued a heartfelt statement of mourning:

“The staff, students, administration and Board of Education grieve today with the rest of the West Orange community in learning the news of the untimely passing of one of our Mountaineer Alumni, Christopher Morgan, Class of 2015. Cadet Morgan was a senior at the U.S. Military West Point Academy and was fatally injured during a training exercise in which a troop vehicle rolled over. Chris represented the very best of West Orange and our country, and his family continue to be foundational members of our community. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially our students. The West Orange Public School District has counselors and professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. We encourage all members of our community to utilize these resources as needed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Morgan family. We are with you. We are West Orange.”

Speaking to NJ.com, Morgan’s father remembered him as his "hero," a "shining star" and a “bright light.”

As of Monday, a GoFundMe campaign to assist Morgan's family has garnered more than $57,000 from almost 900 donors. (See the campaign or make a donation here)

According to the online campaign:

"In his 22 years of life, Chris left an indelible mark on every person he met with his bright smile and compassionate heart. CJ was a highly accomplished student and athlete; he was captain of both the varsity football and wrestling teams at West Orange High School (class of 2015). CJ set many records while wrestling at West Orange High School and is regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers in school history. He then went on to live out his dream of studying and wrestling at the prestigious West Point U.S. Military Academy... In addition to his many personal achievements, Chris was a loyal and loving son, brother, friend, student, and teammate. Many can attest to his undeniably infectious personality and warm spirit. He certainly left his mark on every community of which he was a part, and he will be missed by so many. "

Christopher Morgan wasn’t the only member of his family to be accepted into the prestigious military school.

In February, his brother, Colin Morgan, received his certificate of appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. The younger Morgan was scheduled to begin his journey as part of the Class of 2023 on July 1.

After moving with their family from Chicago several years ago, both boys attended Edison and Liberty Middle Schools, followed by West Orange High School.

• See related article: West Orange Teen Follows Brother's Footsteps To West Point

This article contains previous reporting by Tom Davis, Patch staff

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