The body of the second U.S. soldier who went missing earlier this month during a deployment to Morocco has been recovered, U.S. military officials confirmed Wednesday.
Army Spc. Mariyah Collington, 19, disappeared May 2 alongside 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., 27, in waters near Morocco’s southern coast while both were participating in the multinational African Lion military exercise.
Officials said Collington’s body was recovered Tuesday following an extensive joint search involving U.S. and Moroccan personnel.
Recovery
U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa announced the recovery in a joint statement.
“U.S. Africa Command confirms the recovery of our second Soldier, Spc. Mariyah Collington,” the statement said. “We mourn her loss and stand with her family and the 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command community in this moment of grief.”
According to the Army, Collington’s remains were located inside a coastal cave approximately 500 meters from the area where the soldiers entered the water.
Military officials said difficult ocean conditions and the terrain surrounding the coastline complicated recovery operations throughout the search effort.
Search Details
| Search Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Missing Soldiers | Mariyah Collington and Kendrick Key Jr. |
| Date Missing | May 2, 2026 |
| Recovery Area | Near Cap Draa Training Area, Morocco |
| Search Personnel | More than 1,000 people involved |
| Search Coverage | Over 8,200 square miles |
Incident
The soldiers were in Morocco as part of African Lion, a large multinational military training exercise involving U.S., Moroccan and allied forces.
Defense officials previously said the incident did not occur during an official training operation.
According to a preliminary report, the soldiers were part of a group hiking near the coast to watch the sunset when one service member who could not swim fell into the water.
Officials said a second soldier entered the water in an attempt to help but was struck by a wave. Other members of the group attempted rescue efforts but were unable to reach them.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under review.
Search
The search effort lasted several days and involved large-scale coordination between U.S. and Moroccan military units.
Army officials said more than 1,000 military and civilian personnel participated in the operation. Search teams used helicopters, drones, boats, fixed-wing aircraft, dive teams and ground crews to cover more than 8,200 square miles.
The Army noted that the challenging coastal environment and cave accessibility slowed parts of the operation.
Collington’s remains were transported by helicopter operated by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces to the Moulay El Hassan Military Hospital morgue in Guelmim, Morocco.
The bodies of both soldiers are now being returned to the United States by the U.S. Air Force.
Service
Collington was from Tavares, Florida, and served as an air and missile defense crew member assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
According to the Army, she entered the Delayed Entry Program in 2023 and began active-duty service in 2024.
Military leaders described her as a positive presence within her unit.
“Spc. Collington was an outstanding Soldier whose unwavering enthusiasm and positive spirit uplifted every environment she entered,” Capt. Spencer Grider, commander of Charlie Battery, said in a statement.
He added that her energy and personality helped strengthen relationships among fellow soldiers and teammates.
Soldier Information
| Soldier | Age | Home State | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariyah Collington | 19 | Florida | Recovered May 13 |
| Kendrick Key Jr. | 27 | Not released | Recovered May 9 |
Partnership
Military officials also highlighted the role played by Moroccan forces during the recovery effort.
“The search that brought her home was a testament to what combined operations look like at their best,” AFRICOM and SETAF-AF said in a statement.
Officials said Moroccan forces provided air, maritime and ground support throughout the operation and remained involved from the beginning of the search through the final recovery effort.
African Lion is designed to strengthen military coordination and cooperation between the United States, Morocco and allied partner nations operating across Africa.
Response
Brig. Gen. Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, said the recovery closes the search effort but not the support being provided to those affected.
“The loss of Spc. Collington is a profound loss for the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command,” King said.
He added that military officials remain focused on supporting the soldiers’ families, friends and fellow service members following the tragedy.
The Army has not announced additional details regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services for the two soldiers.
FAQs
Who was the missing U.S. soldier found in Morocco?
The soldier was Spc. Mariyah Collington.
When did the soldiers go missing?
They disappeared on May 2, 2026.
Where were the soldiers found?
They were found near Morocco’s Cap Draa area.
What military exercise were they attending?
They were participating in African Lion.
How large was the search operation?
It covered over 8,200 square miles.
Trump Says Americans’ Finances Are Not Driving Iran Negotiations