The US Army has recovered the body of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. following a tragic rescue attempt during a hiking excursion at the African Lion 2026 exercise in Morocco.
The body of one of two US soldiers missing since May 2 during a training exercise in Morocco has been recovered, according to the BBC. The US Army identified the deceased as 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., 27, a platoon leader from Virginia. A Moroccan search team found Key near the shoreline where the incident occurred during the “African Lion 2026” exercise.
The tragedy began when a soldier fell into the ocean while hiking. Colleagues formed a human chain using belts before others jumped in to attempt a rescue. Brigadier General Curtis King stated, “Our hearts are with his Family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him.” Lt. Col. Chris Couch remembered Key as a “selfless, inspirational leader.” Joint US-Moroccan maritime and air assets continue searching for the second missing soldier.

