Remains of U.S. Soldier Recovered Off Morocco, Search Continues for Second
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The remains of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. have been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean near Morocco. Key and a second soldier went missing after falling from a cliff during an off-duty hike while participating in a multinational military exercise. A large-scale international search operation continues for the second missing soldier.
Facts First
- Remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. were recovered from the Atlantic Ocean shoreline on May 9.
- Two U.S. soldiers went missing on May 2 after falling off a cliff during a recreational hike near the Cap Draa Training Area in Morocco.
- A search-and-rescue operation involves over 600 personnel from the U.S., Morocco, and other partners using ships, helicopters, and drones.
- The soldiers were in Morocco for African Lion 26, a large U.S.-led multinational military exercise involving over 7,000 personnel.
- A U.S. contingent remains in Morocco to continue the search for the second missing soldier.
What Happened
The remains of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. were recovered from the Atlantic Ocean shoreline near Tan-Tan, Morocco, on May 9. Key, 27, and a second soldier went missing on May 2 after reportedly falling off a cliff during an off-duty recreational hike near the Cap Draa Training Area. Their disappearance triggered a multinational search-and-rescue operation. The soldiers were in Morocco participating in African Lion 26, a U.S.-led multinational military exercise that launched in April.
Why this Matters to You
This incident highlights the risks service members can face even during off-duty hours while deployed overseas. The extensive, ongoing international rescue effort demonstrates the military's commitment to recovering personnel. For the families and communities of the soldiers involved, this is a period of profound uncertainty and grief.
What's Next
Search efforts will continue for the second missing soldier. A U.S. defense official stated that a U.S. contingent has remained in Morocco after the African Lion exercises concluded to provide command and control for the ongoing search-and-rescue operation, which has covered over 12,000 square kilometers.