Body of U.S. Soldier Found 1 Week After He Disappeared in the Ocean as Second Service Member Remains Missing

A significant search operation is currently ongoing for a second U.S. soldier who remains unaccounted for following a tragic incident near the Cap Draa Training Area in Morocco. The soldier who was recently discovered has been identified as 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., whose body was found a week after he fell into the Atlantic Ocean during a hiking excursion.

The 27-year-old from Richmond, Virginia, was reported missing alongside another soldier on Saturday, May 2. They were participating in African Lion 26, an annual military exercise, when they decided to embark on a hike to watch the sunset—an activity not officially scheduled as part of the training programme. According to preliminary reports, Key and his companion encountered danger when one of them fell into the ocean. In an attempt to rescue him, the second soldier jumped into the water but was subsequently struck by a large wave, which complicated the rescue efforts of a third soldier who had also entered the water.

After a week-long search, Key’s body was recovered by a Moroccan military search team around 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, approximately one mile from where the two soldiers initially entered the water. The circumstances surrounding Key’s fall into the ocean remain unclear, as investigators are still looking into whether he slipped or jumped.

Key, who served as an Air Defense Artillery officer, was assigned to Charlie Battery within the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, part of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. He began his military career after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In 2023, he started his service as an officer candidate and subsequently earned his commission in 2024, completing further training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

In his two years with Charlie Battery, Key gained a reputation for his leadership qualities, his commitment to his fellow soldiers, and the strong relationships he built within his unit. He was recognised with several accolades, including the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Lt. Col. Chris Couch, commander of the 5th Battalion, expressed his sorrow, highlighting Key’s exceptional character as a leader dedicated to the development of his troops.

Military leaders have expressed their condolences to Key’s family, friends, and colleagues. Brigadier General Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, acknowledged the deep sense of loss within the unit, stating that they will continue to support one another as they remember Key’s service.

As the search for the second missing soldier continues, the U.S. Army has mobilised an extensive rescue operation involving both American and Moroccan personnel. Over 1,000 military and civilian personnel from both nations are involved in the ongoing effort, which has seen extensive use of ground, air, and maritime resources.

General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, commended the collaboration with Moroccan forces, noting their professionalism and expertise during the search. He expressed gratitude for the support received, including teams specialised in mountaineering and diving, as well as aerial and naval assets that have been instrumental in the operations.

The body of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. has been transported to the morgue at Moulay El Hassan Military Hospital in Guelmim, Morocco. Plans are in place to repatriate his remains to the United States. The ongoing search for the second soldier remains a priority, with authorities hopeful for a positive resolution amidst a difficult situation.