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Christopher "CJ" Morgan, who came from a family of West Point graduates, was a law and legal studies major, as well as a standout member of the Army wrestling team.
Twenty-one cadets were injured after the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) overturned at the intersection of Route 293 and the Camp Natural Bridge training site around 6:45 a.m. Thursday.
"He was my first child. He was my hero. He helped make me into a better father," his father, Christopher Morgan Sr., told ABC7''s Eyewitness News. "He made me a better person."
More than $8,000 had been raised as of Friday evening on a GoFundMe for Morgan's family, where he was remembered as a "loyal and loving son, brother, friend, student, and teammate.
"Chris left an indelible mark on every person he met with his bright smile and compassionate heart."
Morgan, who was set to graduate with the Class of 2020, "was a valued member of the Corps of Cadets and will be missed by all," said Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, 60th superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy.
"The entire community is ensuring that our cadets are being cared for physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” Williams said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morgan family.”
"We are devastated by the news of Chris’ passing," added the cadets' wrestling coach, Kevin Ward. "He was a talented, hardworking and determined athlete who loved his sport.
"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 rollover occurred on rugged, hilly terrain as the cadets headed to a summer training program, the Army said.
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