Posted on 06/07/2019 1:58:35 PM PDT by dead
WEST POINT, N.Y. — Chris Morgan of West Orange was killed in an accident at West Point on Thursday, the cadet’s father confirmed Friday.
A vehicle loaded with West Point cadets on summer training overturned in rough, wooded terrain, killing Morgan, 22, and injuring several others. The tactical vehicle operated by two soldiers overturned around 6:45 a.m. as it was headed to a land navigation site as part of standard summer cadet training.
In an interview at the family home on Friday morning, Chris Morgan Sr. said his son was a hero, a shining star and an inspiration to everyone around him.
“I’ll always miss him. There’s no changing that. It’s tough -- I’ll always love him and that will never go away. That will never change. He will always be here," he said, putting his hand over his heart.
Chris Morgan was a standout wrestler for West Orange High School, and continued to wrestle while at West Point. He was a member of the Class of 2020 and graduated from West Orange in 2015. He finished in fifth place in the 182-pound class at the state Wrestling Championships in 2015 after a season that included a 30-1 record with 20 pins. He was also 42-2 his senior year — the most wins ever in a season for a West Orange wrestler.
“He always had this nine-year-old, pure-authentic energy. He just believed in the good in the world, and you saw it in everything that he did. He was a hero to so many people and an inspiration," West Orange wrestling coach Stephan Zichella said. "He left his mark on this community and on so many people. He was the hardest-working kid I’ve ever coached and the highest-character kid. It’s a terrible day right now in West Orange.”
(Excerpt) Read more at nj.com ...
New Jersey cadet was "my hero," father says after son's death
Wow - that record only got him fifth in the state?
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“He was also 42-2 his senior year “
NJ wrestler? King Kong Bundy?
To be ready for war, you have to train hard. No snowflakes permitted
RIP Chris Morgan
Very sad— the family’s great hope and his dad his hero. The summer training of cadets is real world, stuff they need to know to lead combat soldiers. And, in all military training, there is danger— from the elements, from the weapons systems, and from the stress on the individuals. A tactical truck vehicle crashing an embankment on the West Point property- which is quite rocky and mountainous (along the Hudson River).
Family member was USNA grad, and on the midshipmen’s cruise- on a battleship, they were being trained on all aspects of a seagoing warship of the day. One classmate was crushed by the 16 inch gun during firing transition (firing, recoil, and re-loading cycle, in that sequence)— was just not in the right place despite direction- in the cramped turret spaces. Terrible loss, and just starting his Naval Officer career. Another classmate was Captain of the SSN Thresher— our first nuclear sub loss— with all hands and many civilian contractors on board.
Jersey produces some top notch wrestlers. It’s almost as big as football is in Texas.
I trained cadets on demolitions there in the summer of 86. They were yearlings, just having finished their plebe year. They were eager to learn and very respectful. I liked them. I’ll bet a lot of them made very good officers. Christ some of them could be generals now.
Very sad. When people have asked me if I worry about my daughters in the military because of such-and-such geopolitical situation, I always mention that most military deaths are vehicle accidents.
Jersey Wrestling is very tough.
Most National Champs!
in 2019...
It sounds like he would have made an excellent officer. Even training in the military has risks.
Godspeed Soldier...thank you.
Pennsylvania as well.
I know where this accident happened. Treacherous road.
NJ, PA, and DE would be the top wrestler states imho.
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