US MilitaryMoroccoMilitary ExercisesSearch and RescueAfrican Lion 26
US Soldier's Remains Recovered in Morocco, Search Continues for Second Missing Soldier
Published: May 11, 2026
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The remains of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a 27-year-old US soldier, were recovered in the Atlantic Ocean on May 9, according to the US Army Europe and Africa. Key was one of two US soldiers who fell off a cliff during a recreational hike in Morocco while off duty on May 2.
The search-and-rescue operation, which involves over 600 personnel from the US, Morocco, and other military partners, is ongoing for the second missing soldier. The operation has deployed frigates, vessels, helicopters, and drones to search the area near the Cap Draa Training Area outside Tan-Tan, Morocco.
Key was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defence Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defence Command, and had participated in the African Lion 26 exercise, a US-led exercise launched in April across four countries.
The US contingent remains in Morocco to continue search and rescue operations, with the search efforts expected to continue in the coming days. The court of inquiry and official investigations into the incident are likely to follow, although no official announcement has been made yet.