A US soldier who went missing during a training exercise in Morocco has been found dead, the US Army announced. The soldier, identified as 1st Lt Kendrick Lamont Key Jr, a 27-year-old platoon leader from Richmond, Virginia, was found in the water along the shoreline near where he and another soldier went missing on May 2.
The search for the second missing soldier is ongoing, with US and Moroccan forces using ground, air, and maritime assets to scour the area. Key’s body was discovered about a mile from the cliffs where the two soldiers disappeared while hiking with a group to view the sunset.
Morocco Training Exercise
The incident occurred during African Lion 2026, a joint military exercise designed to strengthen operations between US forces, NATO allies, and African nations. The exercise is the largest of its kind on the continent, with participants from several countries, including Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia.
According to reports, one of the soldiers fell into the ocean while hiking, prompting another to jump in and attempt a rescue. The second soldier was hit by a wave, and a third soldier then jumped in to try and save both. The third soldier was able to make it back to camp, but the other two were swept away.
Key’s body was transported to a nearby morgue and will be repatriated to the US. The US Army is mourning the loss of Key, with Brig Gen Curtis King saying that the army’s “hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him.”
Search and Aftermath
The search for the second missing soldier continues, with US and Moroccan forces working together to locate the missing service member. The incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by military personnel during training exercises, and the importance of cooperation between nations in such operations.
The US Army will likely conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding Key’s death and the disappearance of the second soldier. As the search efforts continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.
The death of 1st Lt Kendrick Lamont Key Jr is a tragic reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by US military personnel serving abroad, and the importance of international cooperation in military operations.
