The body of a United States soldier who had been missing for over a week has been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco. First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a 27-year-old Air Defense Artillery officer, was one of two American personnel who fell from a cliff while on an off-duty recreational hike on 2 May.
Details of the Incident
Both soldiers were reported missing after taking part in African Lion, an annual multinational military exercise held in Morocco. The incident occurred near the Cap Draa Training Area, where the pair reportedly entered the ocean after falling from the cliff. A Moroccan military search team located Key Jr.'s remains on 9 May, approximately one mile from the point of entry.
Search and Rescue Efforts
A large-scale search-and-rescue operation has been underway, involving over 600 personnel from the United States, Morocco, and other military partners. The operation continues for the second missing serviceman, whose whereabouts remain unknown. The US military has expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of Moroccan forces and allied nations in the ongoing search.
The recovery brings some closure to the family of First Lieutenant Key Jr., though the search for the second soldier persists. The incident underscores the risks faced by military personnel even during recreational activities in training environments.
