Army sergeant charged in West Point crash that killed West Point cadet Christopher J. Morgan
USMA
Army Staff Sgt. Ladonies P. Strong was charged Sept. 13 with one specification each of involuntary manslaughter, negligent homicide, prevention of authorized seizure of property and reckless operation of a vehicle, a U.S. Army spokesperson said. Strong was also charged with two specifications of dereliction of duty. The incident at a West Point training site. Cadet Johnson was killed and nearly two dozen others injured.
The charges are in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the Army spokesperson said. Strong is assigned to Task Force 1-28 in Fort Benning, Georgia, Minyvonne Burke West Point.org reported.
The charges at this point are merely accusations until further legal process.
“Additional and specific facts in this case will be presented during the upcoming court-martial, at a time to be decided by a military judge; it would be premature to speculate as to the outcome of the trial or any possible punishment at this point,” Husted told Army Times this week as Sergeant Strong heads to Courts Martial After an Article 32 hearing. “Strong remains on active duty, where she continues to perform normal duties with Task Force 1-28.”
USMA RELEASE, WEST POINT, N.Y. – Cadet Christopher J. Morgan, Class of 2020, died due to injuries sustained from a military vehicle accident in the U.S. Military Academy’s training area.
“Cadet Morgan was a valued member of the Corps of Cadets and will be missed by all. The entire community is ensuring that our cadets are being cared for physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” said Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, 60th Superintendent, U. S. Military Academy. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morgan family.”
Morgan, 22, of West Orange, New Jersey, 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.
“We are devastated by the news of Chris’ passing. He was a talented, hardworking, and determined athlete who loved his sport,” said Army West Point Wrestling Coach Kevin Ward. “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.”
The Corps of Cadets will hold a vigil to honor Morgan tonight. A memorial ceremony for the West Point community and private funeral service will be held at the academy next week.
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Remembering the Life and Memory of…
Cadet Christopher J. Morgan
Christopher Morgan — who was set to be a part of the class of 2020 — died and 21 soldiers were injured on Thursday when the vehicle overturned and rolled at least 15 feet down a steep embankment, officials said.
“Cadet Morgan was a valued member of the Corps of Cadets and will be missed by all. The entire community is ensuring that our cadets are being cared for physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” said Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, 60th Superintendent, U. S. Military Academy.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morgan family.”
Morgan was a former wrestling and football player at West Orange High School where he graduated in 2015, according to the West Orange Patch.
Morgan’s wrestling coach, Kevin Ward, mourned his loss in a statement.
“We are devastated by the news of Chris’ passing. He was a talented, hardworking, and determined athlete who loved his sport,” Ward said.
Before the crash, the vehicle was headed along a dirt road in “hilly, mountainous terrain.” It overturned and rolled down some 15 to 20 feet, coming to a rest on a rocky area.
Who was Christopher J. “C.J.” Morgan?
Morgan had been a cadet second lieutenant in the junior Air Force ROTC program at West Orange High School. Morgan graduated in 2015. Eveny de Mendez, acting superintendent for the West Orange Public Schools’, said the district’s thoughts and prayers were with the Morgan family.
“Chris represented the very best of West Orange and our country, and his family continues to be foundational members of our community,” de Mendez said. Who are more on the life OK that Morgan visit Run for the fallen