Obituaries
West Orange Mourns West Point Cadet Killed In Crash (VIDEOS)
Christopher Morgan Jr., a cadet at West Point, was killed in a training-related crash. See scenes from a touching tribute in his honor.
WEST ORANGE, NJ — There was sadness in the air at West Orange’s recent tribute to Christopher Morgan Jr., a cadet at the U.S. Military West Point Academy who was killed in a training-related crash earlier this month. But in the end, a touching memorial service for the late West Orange High School alum was also a chance to shine a light on the good times and inspiration Morgan brought to his hometown.
On June 11, the West Orange community came together for a service in the Tarnoff Gymnasium at Morgan’s old alma mater, nine days after he was killed in a crash involving an armored car near the U.S. Military Academy's summer training site in Orange County, New York.
Morgan, 22, of West Orange, passed away at the scene of the accident.
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- See related article: Cadet, Star Athlete From West Orange Killed In West Point Crash
He was a law and legal studies major, and a recruited athlete who was a standout member of the Army wrestling team. A funeral and viewing were held for Morgan at West Point on June 15, where he was laid to rest.
A GoFundMe campaign to assist Morgan's family has garnered more than $71,000 from almost 1,100 donors. (See the campaign or make a donation here)
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Last week, a mourning West Orange community got the chance to remind the late cadet’s family about the love they still have for their son, brother and grandson.
The June 11 ceremony was attended by friends from Morgan’s graduating class of 2015, teammates from his football and wrestling days at WOHS, faculty members, Mayor Rob Parisi and members of the Town Council.
The ceremony included a performance of “Taps” by members of the WOHS Wind Ensemble, as well as a heartfelt candlelight display of solidarity to the tune of “Lean on Me.”
Watch videos from the ceremony below and see photos in the above gallery.
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