The US Army has recovered the body of a missing American soldier following a major search operation during military exercises in Morocco.
US Soldier Found Dead After Morocco Military Exercise
The US Army confirmed that the remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. were recovered from the Atlantic Ocean after he went missing during military exercises in Morocco.
The 27-year-old officer was one of two US soldiers reported missing on May 2 after an off-duty hike near the Cap Draa Training Area outside Tan-Tan. Officials said both soldiers reportedly fell into the ocean during the excursion.
According to US Army Europe and Africa, Moroccan military teams located Key’s body along the shoreline on May 9, about one mile from where the soldiers entered the water. Search efforts for the second missing soldier are still ongoing.
African Lion Military Exercise Triggers Massive Search Operation
The disappearance sparked a large multinational rescue mission involving more than 600 personnel from the United States, Morocco, and allied military partners. Helicopters, drones, naval vessels, and frigates were deployed during the operation.
The soldiers had participated in African Lion 2026, the largest US-led military exercise in Africa. The operation includes more than 7,000 military personnel from over 30 countries across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal.
US officials said military teams remain in Morocco to continue rescue operations and investigate the incident.
The US Army says efforts to locate the second missing soldier will continue.