West Point Officials Identify Cadet Killed in D-Day Crash
More information was learned about the fatal crash that killed one West Point cadet and injured many others on D-Day.
West Point officials confirmed that Christopher J. Morgan, 22, of West Orange, New Jersey was killed as a result of the accident in which a M1085 medium tactical vehicle long wheelbase cargo truck rolled over at approximately 6:45 a.m. on Thursday off Route 293 near Camp Natural Bridge in the West Point training area.
"So sorry to hear about the terrible accident involving our GREAT West Point Cadets. We mourn the loss of life and pray for the injured. God Bless them ALL!" President Donald Trump tweeted.
Nineteen other cadets and two soldiers were injured, officials say. Those injuries are described as non-life threatening.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the cadet who perished and to all those who were injured in the training accident at West Point this morning,” Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said. “My office has been in contact with West Point and we pledge our support to the Academy, which is part of the fabric of our community. West Point cadets represent the best and brightest young men and women in the country, and Orange County grieves with the Academy during this tragic time.”
The cadets, a group of rising seniors set to graduate in 2020, were heading out for a map-reading and land-based navigational exercise, NBC reports.
"My heart breaks for all those involved in the tragic training accident at West Point this morning. These courageous cadets and soldiers represent the best of New York State and our country, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their bravery in choosing to serve our country and protect our freedoms. This incident is made all the more heart wrenching as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day today, a day where we remember those who gave their lives for our country." New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.
The injured cadets and soldiers have contacted their family members and are being cared for physically, emotionally and spiritually, according to West Point officials.
"Heartbroken for the cadet who was killed in service to our nation at my alma mater, West Point," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a West Point graduate, wrote on Twitter. "May the cadet's family find peace in knowing our nation will always honor that commitment. Praying for them, the injured cadets and all of their families. May the Lord be with you all."