A Moroccan military search team recovered the remains of a 27-year-old U.S. Army officer from the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, May 10, 2026, following a week-long search near the Cap Draa Training Area. The recovery follows an incident where two American soldiers fell from a cliff while off duty during the African Lion multinational military exercises.
The deceased was identified as 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a 14A Air Defense Artillery officer. Officials confirmed that his body was located near the shoreline at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time on May 9, roughly one mile from the initial entry point into the water.
U.S. Army Europe and Africa released a statement regarding the recovery of the officer, who was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.
“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,” stated U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
The two soldiers were first reported missing around 9 p.m. on May 2. The disappearance occurred in the rugged terrain outside Tan-Tan, characterized by a mix of mountains and desert plains. A massive search-and-rescue operation was launched involving over 600 personnel, utilizing frigates, helicopters, and drones to scan the coastline.
While the first soldier has been found, a U.S. defense official confirmed to The Associated Press that teams are still looking for the second missing individual. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing search publicly.
A specialized American contingent has remained in the North African nation to maintain command and control over the operation despite the formal conclusion of the war games on Friday.
Lieutenant Key began his military career in 2023 and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2024. His service record included the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Service Ribbon following his training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
African Lion 26 represents the largest annual U.S. joint military exercise on the continent, involving over 7,000 personnel from 30 nations. This year’s maneuvers were conducted across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal. Historical records from the exercise include a 2012 helicopter crash in Agadir that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. Marines.
