Remains of Second Missing U.S. Soldier Recovered After Moroccan Exercise
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The remains of a second U.S. Army soldier missing during military exercises in Morocco have been recovered. Spc. Mariyah Symone Collington, 19, was found after a multi-national search operation. Her remains and those of another soldier are now en route to the United States.
Facts First
- The remains of Spc. Mariyah Symone Collington have been recovered after she went missing during the African Lion exercise in Morocco.
- A first soldier's remains were recovered days prior, identified as 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr.
- The two soldiers fell off a cliff during an off-duty recreational hike and were reported missing on May 2.
- The search involved over 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan personnel using advanced air, sea, and underwater assets.
- African Lion 26 is a major U.S.-led exercise involving more than 7,000 personnel from over 30 nations.
What Happened
The U.S. Army announced that the remains of Spc. Mariyah Symone Collington, a 19-year-old soldier from Florida, have been recovered. She was the second U.S. soldier found after going missing during the African Lion military exercise in Morocco. Collington and 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. fell off a cliff during an off-duty recreational hike. They were reported missing on May 2. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces transported Collington's remains via helicopter to a military hospital in Guelmim, Morocco. The remains of both soldiers are now en route to the United States.
Why this Matters to You
This event highlights the risks inherent in international military deployments, even during training exercises. For families with loved ones serving abroad, it underscores the importance of safety protocols during off-duty hours. The extensive search operation, involving over 1,000 personnel from two nations, demonstrates the commitment to recovering missing service members.
What's Next
The remains of both soldiers will be returned to the United States. The U.S. Army may conduct further investigations into the circumstances of the incident. The African Lion exercise is likely to continue, but participating forces may review safety briefings and off-duty guidelines for personnel.