Body of U.S. Soldier Is Found Off the Coast of Morocco
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The remains of First Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a 27-year-old American soldier missing since May 2 during joint military exercises in Morocco, were recovered off the southwest Moroccan coast by a Moroccan military search team.
- Lt. Key and another soldier went missing near the Cap Draa Training Area along the Atlantic Ocean while participating in African Lion 2026, a large multinational military exercise involving U.S., NATO, and African forces.
- The two soldiers were reportedly on an evening hike when at least one fell off a cliff into the ocean; search efforts included ships, ground teams, and reconnaissance drones.
- Lt. Key was an artillery officer known for his leadership and care for his soldiers, having recently commissioned in 2024 after graduating from Methodist University; he is survived by his family, including a brother-in-law serving in the U.S. Army.
- The search continues for the other missing soldier as the African Lion exercises, involving about 5,000 personnel from over 40 countries, were scheduled from April 27 to May 8 in Morocco.