In an official announcement made Sunday, U.S. Army Europe and Africa confirmed that the body of one of two U.S. soldiers who went missing during a scheduled joint military training exercise in Morocco has been recovered and identified. The fallen service member is 27-year-old First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a platoon leader and air defense artillery officer originally from Richmond, Virginia.
Key’s remains were located by a Moroccan military search team in coastal waters roughly one mile from the cliffside where both soldiers disappeared on May 2, according to military officials. Combined U.S. and Moroccan search operations, leveraging ground, air, and maritime assets, are still ongoing to locate the second missing soldier.
Preliminary reports obtained by CBS News, the U.S. partner of the BBC, outline the chain of events that led to the disappearance. The group of soldiers had been on a recreational hike to a cliffside sunset viewpoint when one soldier, who could not swim, slipped and fell into the Atlantic Ocean. Remaining group members first wove their belts together to form an improvised human chain in a desperate attempt to pull the fallen soldier to safety. When that rescue attempt failed, a second soldier entered the rough surf to try to save their comrade. A large wave immediately pulled the second service member under water, prompting a third soldier to jump in to assist. The third soldier ultimately managed to swim back to shore alone, after being unable to reach the two missing men. Military officials have not yet confirmed whether Key was the soldier who first fell into the water or the second who attempted a rescue.
Both soldiers were deployed to take part in African Lion 2026, the largest annual joint military exercise held on the African continent. Hosted across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, the annual exercise is designed to strengthen operational coordination between U.S. forces, NATO allies, and African partner nations.
Military leaders have publicly honored Key’s service and character. A 2023 entrant into U.S. military service, Key earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, before his commission. During his service, he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
“Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him,” stated Brigadier General Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. “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.”
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Couch, commander of the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment — Key’s assigned unit — remembered Key as a leader of exceptional character. “Key was known for the care he showed for his Soldiers, his commitment to others, and the relationships he built across the formation,” Couch said. “Kendrick embodied the highest standards of service as a selfless, inspirational leader whose unwavering dedication to his Soldiers and their development leaves an enduring legacy within our ranks.”
Key’s remains have been moved to a nearby morgue, and military officials confirmed plans to repatriate his body to the United States in coming days.