Remains of US soldier who went missing during exercises in Morocco recovered

CASABLANCA, Morocco — The U.S. Army announced on Sunday that the body of a missing soldier has been found in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco. The soldier, identified as 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., was one of two soldiers who went missing during a recreational hike while participating in the African Lion military exercise in Morocco. Lt. Key was 27 years old and served as an Air Defense Artillery officer.

The search for the second missing soldier is still ongoing, with military teams from the United States and Morocco working together to locate him. The two soldiers reportedly fell off a cliff near the Cap Draa Training Area in Morocco on May 2.

A Moroccan military search team discovered Lt. Key’s body along the shoreline, approximately one mile from where the soldiers entered the ocean. The search-and-rescue operation involved over 600 personnel and various resources, including frigates, vessels, helicopters, and drones.

Lt. Key was a decorated officer who received the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon. He joined the military in 2023 and completed his training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before being assigned to the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.

The African Lion military exercise is an annual multinational event involving thousands of personnel from various countries. This year’s exercise took place in Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal, with the participation of over 30 nations.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in military training and the importance of safety protocols during exercises. Our thoughts are with the families and colleagues of the missing soldiers during this difficult time.