US Army Confirms Recovery of Soldier in Morocco Training Exercise
- 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
- Key’s body was found by a Moroccan military search team near the cliffs where the incident occurred on May 2, 2026
- Search operations continue for the second missing soldier as US and Moroccan forces deploy ground, air, and maritime assets
The US Army has confirmed that the body of one of two soldiers who went missing during a training exercise in Morocco has been recovered.
The soldier was identified as 1st Lt Kendrick Lamont Key Jr, a 27-year-old platoon leader and air defence artillery officer from Richmond, Virginia.
Source: Getty Images
A Moroccan military search team discovered his body in the water along the shoreline, about a mile from the cliffs where both soldiers went missing on May 2, 2026. His remains were taken to a nearby morgue and will be repatriated to the United States.
Search continues for second soldier
US and Moroccan forces are continuing their search for the other missing soldier. Ground, air, and maritime assets are being used in the operation.
The soldiers were participating in African Lion 2026, the continent’s largest annual joint military exercise. It is hosted across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, and involves US forces, Nato allies, and African nations.
Army statement on loss
Brig Gen Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Key.
"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 honour his life and service."
Source: Getty Images
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 to rescue him 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.
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Three US service members killed in war
Legit.ng earlier reported that the US military confirms that three service members have been killed in action and five others seriously wounded during ongoing operations against Iran. According to US Central Command, “Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.”
Officials say the situation remains fluid, and out of respect for families, the identities of those killed will not be released until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified. Iran’s military has retaliated with missile attacks targeting ships and countries across the Middle East.
Source: Legit.ng
