RABAT, Morocco – The United States Army has confirmed the recovery and identification of the body of one of two soldiers who went missing during a training exercise off the coast of Morocco last week.
Okay News reports that the soldier has been identified as 27-year-old First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., an air defense artillery officer from Richmond, Virginia. His body was discovered by a Moroccan military search team along the shoreline, approximately one mile from the cliffs where he and a colleague disappeared on May 2.
The incident occurred during African Lion 2026, the continent’s largest annual joint military exercise. According to preliminary reports, the tragedy unfolded during a sunset hike when one soldier fell into the ocean. Colleagues reportedly attempted a rescue by forming a human chain with their belts, after which two other soldiers jumped into the water in a heroic but unsuccessful attempt to save their teammate.
Brigadier General Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, described Key as a “selfless, inspirational leader” known for his unwavering dedication to his soldiers. Key, who entered military service in 2023, had already earned the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
While the search continues for the second missing soldier using ground, air, and maritime assets, Key’s remains have been moved to a morgue pending repatriation to the United States. The U.S. and Moroccan forces have reaffirmed their commitment to the search operation as the military community mourns the loss.
