Body of U.S. Soldier Recovered After Morocco Training Accident
U.S. soldier missing in Morocco recovered
The U.S. Army confirmed on Sunday, May 10, 2026, that a Moroccan military search team recovered the body of a 27-year-old American soldier who went missing during a multinational training exercise. First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., of Richmond, Virginia, was identified as one of two service members who disappeared more than a week ago off the southern coast of Morocco.
The recovery took place at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time on Saturday, May 9, along the shoreline near the Cap Draa Training Area, approximately one mile from where the soldiers were last seen. Key was a platoon leader assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, under the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
The incident occurred on the evening of May 2, 2026, while the soldiers were on a recreational hike following the conclusion of the day’s scheduled drills for Exercise African Lion 2026. According to preliminary reports from defense officials, the group was watching the sunset from the cliffs when one soldier, who reportedly could not swim, fell into the Atlantic Ocean.
In a heroic attempt to save his comrade, a second soldier jumped into the water but was quickly struck by a large wave. The U.S. Army has not yet clarified whether First Lieutenant Key was the individual who initially fell or the one who attempted the rescue. A total of more than 600 personnel from the U.S., Morocco, and other partner nations have been involved in the massive search-and-rescue operation, which utilized helicopters, drones, and naval vessels.
While the “African Lion” exercise officially concluded on Friday, a U.S. contingent remains on the ground in Morocco to provide command and control for the ongoing search for the second missing service member. Brigadier General Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, issued a statement expressing profound grief over the loss of Lieutenant Key and offering support to his family and teammates.
Key, who earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2024, had received the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Service Ribbon during his service. His remains have been transported to a hospital in Guelmim, Morocco, where preparations are underway for his repatriation to the United States. Search efforts continue to focus on the area where Key was found as authorities monitor a broader perimeter for any sign of the second soldier.
