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A Pleasanton native and U.S. Military Academy cadet died on Monday while he was on leave in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., according to a press release from West Point.
Casey Liening, a public information specialist with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, confirmed to the Weekly that it appears Havin Morris drowned accidentally in the New River water channel near downtown Fort Lauderdale.
The 21-year-old had graduated from Amador Valley High School in 2020.
“Cadet Morris was a valued member of the Corps of Cadets, committed to serving his country as an Army Officer,” West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steve Gilland stated in the press release. “The entire West Point Community offers our heartfelt condolences to the Morris family.”
Liening said Morris had been reported missing over the weekend and was last seen on Saturday night in downtown Fort Lauderdale. According to a social media post from the police department on Monday, Morris was visiting from out of state for spring break.
The police department’s dive team located his body on Monday night.
“The information gathered throughout our investigation led FLPD’s Dive Team to search the New River near the area where he was last seen,” Liening said. “At this time, his death appears to be an accidental drowning and no foul play is suspected.”
According to West Point officials, the police department and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command are both currently investigating the death.
Morris’ family have been notified by the Army, according to West Point.
“We are saddened by the loss of one of our former Amador Valley High School alumnus,” Patrick Gannon, director of communications for Pleasanton Unified School District, told the Weekly. “Our hearts go out to the Morris family and those who Havin touched the lives of.”