The US Army has confirmed the recovery of 1st Lt Kendrick Lamont Key Jr, one of two soldiers who went missing during a training exercise in Morocco. His body was discovered by a Moroccan military search team near the cliffs where the incident occurred on May 2, 2026.
Details of the Recovery
Key, a 27-year-old platoon leader and air defense artillery officer from Richmond, Virginia, was participating in African Lion 2026, the largest annual joint military exercise on the continent. His remains were found in the water along the shoreline, approximately one mile from the cliffs where both soldiers went missing. The body has been taken to a nearby morgue and will be repatriated to the United States.
Search for Second Soldier Continues
US and Moroccan forces are continuing search operations for the second missing soldier. Ground, air, and maritime assets are being deployed in the ongoing effort. The soldiers were part of African Lion 2026, which is hosted across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, involving US forces, NATO allies, and African nations.
Army Statement on the Loss
Brig Gen Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. "Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him," King said. "The 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command family is grieving, and we will continue to support one another and 1st Lt. Key's family as we honor his life and service."
Circumstances of the Incident
According to a preliminary report cited by CBS News, the soldiers had been hiking with a group to watch the sunset when one fell into the ocean. Fellow service members attempted a rescue by forming a human chain with their belts. When that failed, another soldier jumped into the water to help but was struck by a wave. A third soldier also entered the water but managed to return to camp after being unable to rescue the first two. It remains unclear whether Key was the soldier who initially fell or the one who attempted the rescue.
Related Incident
In a separate development, the US military confirmed that three service members were killed and five others seriously wounded during ongoing operations against Iran. According to US Central Command, several others sustained minor injuries and are being returned to duty. Officials say the situation remains fluid, and identities of the deceased will be withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.
