Recovery of U.S. Soldier’s Body in Morocco
Authorities reported on Sunday that the body of one of two U.S. soldiers missing at sea during a multinational military exercise in southern Morocco has been recovered.
Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., 27, from Richmond, Virginia, was discovered in the water along the coastline by a Moroccan military search team at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time on Saturday, as stated by U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF). His body was located just a few miles from where he and another soldier had entered the water.
Following this discovery, both U.S. and Moroccan forces initiated a search operation, extensively monitoring the vicinity. Officials indicated that Key’s next of kin had been informed.
According to USAREUR-AF, over 1,000 American and Moroccan military personnel, along with civilians, participated in the search for the two missing soldiers. Efforts to locate the other soldier are ongoing, utilizing resources from land, air, and sea.
“We mourn the loss of Lt. Kendrick Key, whose remains were found in Morocco,” expressed Brig. Gen. Curtis King, commander of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. He added that the command team is in mourning and will support Key’s family while honoring his legacy.
Key served as a defensive artillery officer and platoon leader in Battery Charlie of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, recognized for his professionalism throughout his service.
USAREUR-AF noted that Key and his fellow soldier went missing on May 2 near the Cap Draa training range. They had been part of a group hiking along a sea cliff to view the sunset when one of them fell into the water. In a related report, it was mentioned that the second soldier, unable to swim, jumped in after him but was later overwhelmed by the waves.
A third soldier also attempted to rescue the pair but fortunately managed to return safely. However, it remains unclear whether Key was the soldier who struggled in the water or if he was one of those who jumped in to assist.
The group was involved in African Lion 26, the largest multilateral military exercise held annually by U.S. Africa Command, which includes participation from NATO allies and African partner nations, hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia.
