Story from The Journal News / Lohud.com
by Steve Lieberman

Cadet Brandon Jackson, 20, of Queens died during the crash at 1:50 a.m. Sunday on Route 9.

WEST POINT - Cadet Brandon Jackson, a West Point Army football player from New York City, died in a single-car crash in Croton-on-Hudson hours after the military academy won its second consecutive game to open the season.

Croton police continue to investigate the death of Jackson, 20, of Queens in the 1:50 a.m. crash Sunday on Route 9, south of the 129 Municipal Place exit, Croton Police Detective Sgt. John Nikitopoulos said Monday. Police said the vehicle struck the guardrail.

Nikitopoulos said the department's accident reconstruction team will try to determine the vehicle's speed and consider other factors that could have caused the crash.

"Very possibly, this was just a tragic accident," Nikitopoulos said. "We have no reason to believe anything else, at the moment."
The Westchester Medical Examiner's Office also is investigating.

Jackson, a member of the class of 2019, was a starting defensive back and recorded two solo tackles and one assist in the Army Black Knights' 31-14 home win Saturday over Rice. Army is 2-0. Head coach Jeff Monken said the team was in mourning.

"Words cannot describe the grief that our team is feeling over the loss of our brother and friend, Brandon," Monken said in a statement released by West Point on Monday. "He was a beloved teammate and our hearts are with his family at this time of tragedy."

Croton Fire remained on location assisting the Croton/Briarcliff Manor/Ossining Police Accident Investigation Team until 7:30 AM last Sunday.

On behalf of the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department, we offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends and fellow Cadets of Mr. Jackson.