Body of Second U.S. Soldier Who Went Missing in Morocco Is Found
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Rescuers recovered the body of Specialist Mariyah Symone Collington, a 19-year-old American soldier, from a coastal cave in Morocco, marking the second soldier found after going missing during joint military exercises.
- First Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. was previously found in waters off southwest Morocco; both soldiers disappeared on May 2 near the Cap Draa Training Area during the African Lion 2026 exercises.
- The soldiers were reportedly on an evening hike when one fell off a cliff into the sea, and rescue efforts were hindered by challenging ocean conditions, terrain, and access difficulties.
- Specialist Collington served in the 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment and was praised by her commander for her enthusiasm and positive spirit; both soldiers' remains have been transported back to the U.S. for further procedures.
- The African Lion exercises involved around 5,000 personnel from over 40 countries and were conducted from April 27 to May 8, with the incident currently under investigation by the U.S. Army.