Body of U.S. soldier missing in Morocco after cliff fall found in ocean

Military is still searching for a second soldier reported missing on May 2 after participating in African Lion

Published May 11, 2026  •  Last updated 19 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. Photo by U.S. Army Europe and Africa

The body of an American soldier who went missing in Morocco during military exercises last week has been recovered in the Atlantic Ocean, the U.S. Army announced Sunday.

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The remains were identified as 27-year-old 1st. Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a 14A Air Defence Artillery officer who was one of two soldiers who fell off a cliff during a hike in Morocco while off duty. He was one of two soldiers reported missing on May 2 after participating in African Lion, a yearly multinational military exercise in Morocco.

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Military teams are still searching for the second missing soldier.

“A Moroccan military search team found the soldier in the water along the shoreline at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time, May 9, within roughly one mile of where both soldiers reportedly entered the ocean,” U.S. Army Europe and Africa said in a media release.

Soldier who couldn’t swim fell first

The two soldiers went missing around 9 p.m. near the Cap Draa Training Area outside Tan-Tan, an area characterized by mountains, desert and semi-desert plains, the Moroccan military noted.

A preliminary report stated the two were part of a group of military members who went on a hike to watch the sunset when a soldier not known to be able to swim fell into the water. Officials said the second missing soldier jumped in and attempted rescue, but was hit by a wave.

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Other soldiers tried to rescue the two but were unsuccessful, CBS News reported.

A search-and-rescue effort involved more than 600 personnel from the U.S., Morocco and other military partners, involving frigates, vessels, drones and helicopters.

U.S and Moroccan military forces take part in the 20th edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 31, 2024. Photo by Mosa'ab Elshamy, File /AP Photo

What to know about Kendrick Lamont Key Jr.

Key was assigned to the Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defence Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defence Command, the U.S. Army said. The late soldier’s decorations include the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

In 2023, Key entered military service as an officer candidate and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2024 as an Air Defence Artillery officer. He later completed the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sill, Okla.

Brigade Gen. Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defence Command, said the army is mourning the loss of Key.

“Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him,” King said, per BBC News. “The 10th Army Air and Missile Defence Command Family is grieving, and we will continue to support one another and 1st Lt. Key’s Family as we honour his life and service.”

In April, African Lion 26, a U.S.-led exercise, was launched across four countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal. It involved more than 7,000 military personnel from more than 30 countries. It has been the largest U.S. joint military exercise in Africa since 2004.

Two U.S. Marines were killed and two others injured during a helicopter crash in Morocco’s southern city of Agadir while taking part in the exercises in 2012, per The Associated Press.

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