WEST POINT – The US Military Academy at West Point said one cadet was killed and 20 cadets and two soldiers were injured when a light medium tactical vehicle was involved in an accident at 6:45 a.m. Thursday.
The accident happened in a wooded area off Route 293.
The injured were taken to area hospitals.
Governor Cuomo extended his condolences to the family of the cadet who died and the personnel who were injured. “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.”
“The cadets at the United States Military Academy and the service members who support them are some of the most courageous and selfless people in our nation,” US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said. “Members of our military make extraordinary sacrifices for our country, they willingly devote their lives to the noble causes of service and leadership, and they take great risks so that the rest of us can live in a country that is safe and free. The accident at West Point today is a devastating tragedy and my heart breaks for all those involved, their classmates, and their families. I will continue to closely monitor this situation and will do everything in my power in the Senate to make sure the Army has every resource it needs to investigate this terrible accident, care for the injured, and support members of the community who are grieving.”
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said the “loss of a young cadet is heartbreaking, and our prayers are with all who were injured.”
Assemblyman Colin Schmitt called the accident and loss of life “a tragedy” and said “the young men and women who choose from an early age to serve our nation always stand as a pinnacle of excellence to our community, state and nation.” Schmitt said, “While we have lost far too early the promise of a lifetime of leadership, dedication and patriotism from this young cadet – the Long Gray Line will carry this moment and honor this cadet’s life for all of time.”
“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.”