West Orange Honors Late West Point Cadet With Street Renaming

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The street sign now reads: “CJ Morgan Way.” And although it’s a painful reminder of a young life cut short, there is also a sense of honor and respect that will come when West Orange residents glance up at it for years to come.

Earlier this month, the family and friends of Christopher “C.J.” Morgan joined with local officials and community leaders at a ceremony to dedicate a street in his honor.

Morgan was a 2015 graduate from West Orange High School and a standout student athletic and wrestler who continued his career at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was tragically killed in a training accident while on maneuvers on June 6, 2019.

• See Related: Cadet, Star Athlete From West Orange Killed In West Point Crash

The unveiling of a street sign on the street where he grew up gives Mellon Avenue the honorary distinction of also now be known as “CJ Morgan Way.”

West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney was present at the ceremony along with former mayor Robert Parisi, who first announced the township’s intention to rename the street at the annual Veteran’s Day ceremony last November.

According to the town’s public information officer, Joseph Fagan, the event was held despite heavy rains in the forecast.

“As the sign was unveiled the skies opened up with a downpour as if to symbolically represent the many tears West Orange shed over his tragic death,” Fagan wrote. “C.J. was beloved by the entire community and despite the rain, it will not prevent sunshine from forever warming this corner and the hearts of all who knew him.”

• See Related: West Orange Mourns West Point Cadet Killed In Crash (VIDEOS)

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