Havin Morris: Missing US Military Academy cadet found dead in Florida river after partying with pals

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA: US Military Academy cadet Havin Morris, from Pleasanton, California, was found dead in Florida's New River on Monday, March 25.

The 21-year-old went missing on March 23, while on leave in Florida during spring break.

Morris was reportedly partying at an Irish pub in Fort Lauderdale with his friends, just two days before his body was discovered. His three friends claimed to have lost track of him that night post-party.

Havin Morris confirmed his well-being to his parents before vanishing for 2 days

The Fort Lauderdale Police issued a missing person alert for Morris on Monday, March 25, stating that he was last seen "overnight on Saturday."

According to the police, he was in the area for spring break.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Morris had gone missing after visiting a nightclub with three friends on Saturday night on 23 March.

He had also texted his parents at 11 pm, confirming he was at the nightclub. His friends told police they saw him at 1 am and lost track of him afterward.

However, when they tried to contact him several times the next day all the calls went straight to voicemail.

Havin Morris' drowning seems accidental to police

A police dive team later found Morris's dead body in a river nearby after two days on Monday, March 25. 

"The information gathered throughout our investigation led FLPD's Dive Team to search the New River near the area where he was last seen," said a police statement.

"Divers located his body on Monday night. At this time, his death appears to be an accidental drowning and no foul play is suspected."

Morris, a Pleasanton, California native, completed his high school education in Pleasanton in 2020.

The Pleasanton School District released a statement, “We are saddened by the loss of one of our former Amador Valley High School alumnus. Our hearts go out to the Morris family and those who Havin touched the lives of during this difficult time."

Havin Morris was a valued member of the United States Corps of Cadets

West Point Superintendent Lt Gen Steve Gilland said in a statement, "Cadet Morris was a valued member of the Corps of Cadets, committed to serving his country as an Army Officer."

Morris' tactical officer, Major Rebecca A Gogue, described him as "a bright, resilient young man with a determination to succeed in all he did," according to a press release from West Point as reported by CBS News. 

West Point has stated that the Army's Criminal Investigation Command is collaborating with the Fort Lauderdale police on the investigation into the death of Morris.