Killed in the Amtrack Derailment in Philadelpha Pa.
Justin Zemser, 20, was from Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York. He was a sophomore at the Annapolis academy, according to his Naval Academy profile.
The academy notified his family of his death Tuesday night, a family member said. His parents "are beside themselves."
"The Brigade of Midshipman, staff and faculty were notified of the midshipman's death this morning," the academy said. "The Naval Academy is supporting the midshipman's family, friends and loved ones during this time of grief."
His roommate, Brandon Teel, told CNN that Zemser was "a phenomenal human being."
"He made me better," Teel said. "We made each other better. Just his desire to constantly get better -- he wanted to better himself, he wanted to better this country. He cared so much. I think that's what really defined him.
"... He's like a brother. I've only known him for two years and I know him better than many people I've known for my whole life."
Zemser attended Channel View High School and was a two-year letter winner on the football team as a wide receiver. He was team captain in 2011 and 2012, when he was named to the all-borough team. He also was elected as student government president.
"Justin was a talented, highly respected young man with a tremendously bright future," U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. told CNN affiliate WJZ on Thursday.
"He was a loving son, nephew and cousin, who was very community-minded. This tragedy has shocked us all in the worst way, and we wish to spend this time grieving with our close family and friends," said Zemser's mother, Susan Zemser.
Genealogy
Justin Zemser, 20, was from Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York. He was a sophomore at the Annapolis academy, according to his Naval Academy profile.
The academy notified his family of his death Tuesday night, a family member said. His parents "are beside themselves."
"The Brigade of Midshipman, staff and faculty were notified of the midshipman's death this morning," the academy said. "The Naval Academy is supporting the midshipman's family, friends and loved ones during this time of grief."
His roommate, Brandon Teel, told CNN that Zemser was "a phenomenal human being."
"He made me better," Teel said. "We made each other better. Just his desire to constantly get better -- he wanted to better himself, he wanted to better this country. He cared so much. I think that's what really defined him.
"... He's like a brother. I've only known him for two years and I know him better than many people I've known for my whole life."
Zemser attended Channel View High School and was a two-year letter winner on the football team as a wide receiver. He was team captain in 2011 and 2012, when he was named to the all-borough team. He also was elected as student government president.
"Justin was a talented, highly respected young man with a tremendously bright future," U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. told CNN affiliate WJZ on Thursday.
"He was a loving son, nephew and cousin, who was very community-minded. This tragedy has shocked us all in the worst way, and we wish to spend this time grieving with our close family and friends," said Zemser's mother, Susan Zemser.
Genealogy
Killed in the Amtrack Derailment in Philadelpha Pa.
Justin Zemser, 20, was from Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York. He was a sophomore at the Annapolis academy, according to his Naval Academy profile.
The academy notified his family of his death Tuesday night, a family member said. His parents "are beside themselves."
"The Brigade of Midshipman, staff and faculty were notified of the midshipman's death this morning," the academy said. "The Naval Academy is supporting the midshipman's family, friends and loved ones during this time of grief."
His roommate, Brandon Teel, told CNN that Zemser was "a phenomenal human being."
"He made me better," Teel said. "We made each other better. Just his desire to constantly get better -- he wanted to better himself, he wanted to better this country. He cared so much. I think that's what really defined him.
"... He's like a brother. I've only known him for two years and I know him better than many people I've known for my whole life."
Zemser attended Channel View High School and was a two-year letter winner on the football team as a wide receiver. He was team captain in 2011 and 2012, when he was named to the all-borough team. He also was elected as student government president.
"Justin was a talented, highly respected young man with a tremendously bright future," U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. told CNN affiliate WJZ on Thursday.
"He was a loving son, nephew and cousin, who was very community-minded. This tragedy has shocked us all in the worst way, and we wish to spend this time grieving with our close family and friends," said Zemser's mother, Susan Zemser.
Genealogy
Justin Zemser, 20, was from Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York. He was a sophomore at the Annapolis academy, according to his Naval Academy profile.
The academy notified his family of his death Tuesday night, a family member said. His parents "are beside themselves."
"The Brigade of Midshipman, staff and faculty were notified of the midshipman's death this morning," the academy said. "The Naval Academy is supporting the midshipman's family, friends and loved ones during this time of grief."
His roommate, Brandon Teel, told CNN that Zemser was "a phenomenal human being."
"He made me better," Teel said. "We made each other better. Just his desire to constantly get better -- he wanted to better himself, he wanted to better this country. He cared so much. I think that's what really defined him.
"... He's like a brother. I've only known him for two years and I know him better than many people I've known for my whole life."
Zemser attended Channel View High School and was a two-year letter winner on the football team as a wide receiver. He was team captain in 2011 and 2012, when he was named to the all-borough team. He also was elected as student government president.
"Justin was a talented, highly respected young man with a tremendously bright future," U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. told CNN affiliate WJZ on Thursday.
"He was a loving son, nephew and cousin, who was very community-minded. This tragedy has shocked us all in the worst way, and we wish to spend this time grieving with our close family and friends," said Zemser's mother, Susan Zemser.
Genealogy
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
