Broward County

The body of West Point cadet who went missing on Spring Break pulled out of New River

The body of United States Military Academy Cadet Havin Morris was found by Fort Lauderdale police divers in the New River Monday, March 26, 2024.
The body of United States Military Academy Cadet Havin Morris was found by Fort Lauderdale police divers in the New River Monday, March 26, 2024. United States Military Academy at West Point

The body of a U.S. Military Academy cadet who went missing last weekend while visiting Ft. Lauderdale on Spring Break was found in the New River on Monday night, according to authorities.

Ft. Lauderdale police say his death appears to be the result of an accidental drowning. No foul play suspected.

West Point officials identified the cadet as Havin Morris, 21, in a statement to the Herald on Tuesday.

“Cadet Morris was a valued member of the Corps of Cadets, committed to serving his country as an Army Officer. The entire West Point Community offers our heartfelt condolences to the Morris family,” West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steve Gilland said.

Morris, who traveled to South Florida for spring break, was last seen Saturday night in the 200 block of SW 2nd Street in the downtown area, according to Ft. Lauderdale police. Days later, spokeswoman Casey Leining said the department’s dive team found his body.

Morris was from Pleasanton, California, according to the West Point statement.

“Cadet Morris’ tactical officer, Maj. Rebecca A. Gogue, described him as a bright, resilient young man with a determination to succeed in all he did,” the statement reads.

“Cadet Morris’ family has been officially notified by the Army, and a casualty assistance officer has been appointed to support them. The entire West Point community will continue to support Havin’s family, friends, and teammates.”

This story was originally published March 26, 2024 at 9:02 PM.

David Goodhue
Miami Herald
David Goodhue covers the Florida Keys and South Florida for FLKeysNews.com and the Miami Herald. Before joining the Herald, he covered Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. 
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