A Moroccan military search team recovered the remains of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. on Saturday morning after he and another soldier fell from a cliff during an off-duty hike near the Cap Draa Training Area on May 2.
Key, a 27-year-old Air Defense Artillery officer from Richmond, Virginia, was found in the Atlantic Ocean shoreline at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time, roughly one mile from the initial incident site according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
The recovery occurred during the African Lion 26 multinational exercise, which involves over 7,000 personnel from more than 30 nations. While the annual war games officially concluded on Friday, a U.S. contingent remains on-site to coordinate the ongoing search for the second missing soldier.
Brig. Gen. Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, issued a formal response regarding the loss of the officer who served in the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.
“Today, we mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Kendrick Key, whose remains were recovered in Morocco,” stated King. “Our hearts are with his Family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him. The 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Family is grieving, and we will continue to support one another and 1st Lt. Key’s Family as we honor his life and service.”
The search operation has mobilized more than 600 personnel utilizing drones, helicopters, and naval vessels to scan the rugged terrain near Tan-Tan, characterized by desert plains and steep cliffs. A U.S. defense official told The Associated Press that search efforts for the second unidentified soldier will persist.
“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,” noted the statement from U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
Key began his military career in 2023 and received his commission through Officer Candidate School the following year. His service record includes the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, following his training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.