The U.S. Army announced Sunday that the body of an American soldier who disappeared during a training exercise in Morocco has been recovered.
First Lieutenant Lamont Key Jr., 27, went missing earlier this month alongside another U.S. service member in waters near Morocco’s southern coast.
Army officials said the second missing soldier has not yet been found, and search operations remain ongoing.
Incident
According to the Army, the two soldiers disappeared near the Cap Draa Training Area on May 2 while participating in African Lion, a multinational military training exercise held annually in Africa.
Defense officials previously told CBS News that the incident was not believed to be directly connected to the training exercise itself.
A preliminary report indicated the soldiers were part of a group that had gone on a hike to watch the sunset when the incident occurred.
Officials said one soldier, who reportedly could not swim, fell into the water. The second soldier then entered the ocean in an attempt to rescue him but was struck by a wave.
Other members of the group attempted rescue efforts but were unable to reach them.
Recovery
The Army said Moroccan military search teams recovered Key’s body at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time on Saturday.
According to officials, his remains were found along the shoreline about one mile from where the two soldiers disappeared.
Authorities have not publicly clarified whether Key was the soldier who initially fell into the water or the one who attempted the rescue.
Search efforts for the second missing service member are continuing.
Service
Key was from Richmond, Virginia, and served as an air defense artillery officer assigned to the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
Military leaders expressed condolences following the recovery.
“Today, we mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Kendrick Key, whose remains were recovered in Morocco,” Brig. Gen. Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, said in a statement.
“Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him,” King added.
Support
King also said soldiers serving alongside Key were grieving the loss and continuing to support one another during the recovery efforts.
He noted that military personnel would continue supporting Key’s family while honoring his service and memory.
The Army has not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident or the identity of the second missing soldier.
Exercise
African Lion is one of the largest multinational military exercises conducted on the African continent. The annual training operation includes U.S. troops and partner forces from several countries and focuses on military readiness, cooperation, and joint operations.
The exercise regularly involves land, air, and maritime training activities across multiple regions.
Officials have not announced whether any changes to the exercise schedule or safety procedures are being considered following the incident.
Investigation
Military officials are expected to continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the accident while search crews work to locate the second missing soldier.
Incidents involving military personnel during overseas deployments and exercises are typically subject to formal reviews to determine contributing factors and evaluate safety protocols.
For now, Army officials say the immediate focus remains on supporting the soldiers’ families and continuing recovery efforts in Morocco.
FAQs
Who was the soldier recovered in Morocco?
The Army identified him as 1st Lt. Lamont Key Jr.
Where did the soldiers go missing?
Near the Cap Draa Training Area in Morocco.
What military exercise were they attending?
They were participating in African Lion.
Has the second soldier been found?
No, search operations are still ongoing.
Where was Key from?
He was from Richmond, Virginia.
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