‘An unspeakable tragedy.’ NC political strategist dies in boating accident
Conen Morgan, a political strategist and former president of the Young Democrats of North Carolina, died Sunday in a boating accident. He was 42.
“Sunup to sundown he was always working for people,” said Courtney Crowder, a longtime friend. “And I think the reason why this hurts so many people right now is because he was always available for everybody.”
Morgan was a highly sought-after political consultant not just across North Carolina but the country. Through his company, Longleaf Agency, he helped candidates and causes across local, state and federal races.
“From all over the country, there are people that are mourning him right now because he was such an incredibly talented and giving and selfless person,” Crowder said. “And it’s just an unspeakable tragedy right now, what we’re all going through. My heart goes out to everybody because, again, it’s just hard to put into words how much he meant to so many people.”
Authorities on Monday reported an unnamed man’s death in a boating accident off the North Carolina coast. The man and two others who survived were thrown into the ocean after their boat hit a wave. On Tuesday, authorities confirmed Morgan was the man killed.
So many people were dependent on Morgan’s insight, said state Rep. Zack Hawkins, who called his death “a complete loss for the state of North Carolina.”
“He was my friend for almost two decades and an incredible political leader,” he said. “He was an incredible political mind. He could see things other people couldn’t. He was the glue and wanted to do so much for the state of North Carolina. He was finally hitting his stride, but I am devastated that my friend is no longer with us.”
Morgan’s passion was rooted in equity and fairness, former state Rep. James Gailliard said.
“He wanted to just form public policy and politics that would strengthen everybody’s lives,” Gailliard said. “And he probably understood data better than (any) person I’ve ever met in my life. He understood the players. He understood how to connect dots. A great family man. A great community guy. Just a really, really good guy.”
In national politics, Morgan was instrumental in linking the faith community to Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, Gailliard said. And he worked with both of former President Barack Obama’s national campaigns, Crowder said.
“He was just a state treasure,” Gailliard said. “And I think this is going to be a very difficult void to fill. He meant a lot to North Carolina. And this is not something we’re going to easily recover from.”
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An NC State graduate who loved science
He was married to Reyna Walters-Morgan, director of civic engagement and voter protection for the Democratic National Committee, for seven years.
His passion for politics only rivaled his love for science, technology and data. He was an instrumental figure in the North Carolina Science Olympiad, first as a competitor and continuing as an event leader and award emcee. In 2016, he was honored with the Dr. Jason L. Painter Distinguished Service Award.
“Conen’s tireless commitment and dedication to NCSO has made a real and lasting impact on the lives of thousands of students across North Carolina,” according to a statement from the North Carolina Science Olympiad. “He was a source of inspiration and a dear friend to so many of us.”
Morgan graduated from Garner High School and from N.C. State University.
As a freshman at N.C. State, Morgan was featured in a 1999 News & Observer article about the success of Black students despite systemic challenges.
“The statistics say I shouldn’t be here,” he said. “But it’s not who you are, it is what you do that matters. I have decided that I will succeed.”
Politicians react to Morgan’s death
Condolences and accolades poured in on social media as news spread of Morgan’s death.
“Conen Morgan’s hard work and determination made a real, positive difference for people of North Carolina,” tweeted Gov. Roy Cooper. “His loss is a tragedy and we send our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”
“This is tragic. @ConenMorgan was a great person — always positive, always constructive, always kind,” tweeted Attorney General Josh Stein. “I am heartbroken at his death and send love and prayers to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.”
“I am heartbroken to learn about the passing of @ConenMorgan, well before his time,” tweeted NC Rep. Robert Reives. “He was a fixture in North Carolina politics and my prayers are with his family right now. He will truly be missed.”
“Conen was the definition of a lifetime young Democrat,” according to a Facebook statement from the Young Democrats of North Carolina. “He was a champion in his community and a staunch ally for young people across North Carolina — but above that, he was a great friend to many of us. His impact will continue to be felt as he will be sorely missed.”
Boating accident
The Cape Lookout National Seashore reported the death of a man in his mid-40s in a news release Monday. On Tuesday the organization confirmed Morgan was the man who died.
Three people, in a rented boat, were thrown into the ocean after hitting a wave off the Shackleford Banks. At the time of the accident there were 7-to-9 foot wave swells and sporadic rain.
“While underway, the boat took a wave that did not completely capsize the vessel but ejected all three passengers,” said Nate Toering, chief of interpretation and education for the Cape Lookout National Seashore.
The three people ejected made it to the Shackleford Banks, but Morgan collapsed on the shoreline. The other two passengers performed CPR, and park rangers arrived within 15 minutes by boat and ATV, according to the news release.
CPR was performed for about an hour “before medical direction called off efforts,” according to the news release.
This story was originally published May 29, 2023 at 3:26 PM with the headline "‘An unspeakable tragedy.’ NC political strategist dies in boating accident."
