Body of second U.S. soldier who went missing amid training exercise recovered in Morocco
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- The body of Spc. Mariyah Collington, the second U.S. soldier missing in Morocco since May 2, has been recovered from a coastal cave near where she and 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. went into the water; Key's body was recovered earlier on May 9.
- Both soldiers disappeared off Morocco's southern coast during a non-training-related incident while participating in the African Lion exercise; Collington and Key were attempting a rescue after a soldier who couldn't swim fell into the water.
- The search operation involved over 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military and civilian personnel, covering more than 8,200 square miles with extensive use of aerial, maritime, and ground assets.
- Collington, 19, served as an air and missile defense crew member with the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and was praised for her positive spirit and camaraderie by her commanding officer.
- U.S. Africa Command and Moroccan forces highlighted the successful joint search effort as an example of strong military partnership and commitment during the African Lion exercise.