The Pentagon has officially announced the recovery of the remains of U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., who tragically lost his life during a hiking accident in Morocco.
His remains were found near the Cap Draa Training Area outside Tan-Tan, southwestern Morocco. 1st Lt. Key and another soldier, who remains unnamed, were reported missing after their training activities had wrapped up for the day.
Military officials relayed that the soldiers were off-duty and engaged in a recreational hike when they entered the Atlantic Ocean near ocean cliffs. This area consists of challenging mountainous terrain alongside desert and semi-desert plains. Initial findings suggest the soldiers may have fallen from a cliff into the water; however, the details surrounding the incident are still being examined. It’s important to note that this tragic event is not connected to terrorism or hostile activities.
Details of the Training and Discovery
The training exercises, named African Lion 26, involved over 7,000 personnel from more than 30 nations across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal earlier this year. It marked the largest U.S. military exercise in Africa since 2004. Although the exercises concluded on May 7, a U.S. contingent remained behind for command support and to assist in search and rescue efforts.
On May 9, at around 8:55 a.m. local time, a Moroccan military search team located Key’s remains in the water, approximately one mile from where the soldiers were last reported.
Morocco — U.S. Army officials confirm the body of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. has been found along the shoreline near Cap Draa.
Key went missing May 2 during an off-duty hike while in the country for Exercise African Lion 2026.
Search efforts continue for a second… https://t.co/PwJnso3XVO pic.twitter.com/PWekvc8OcU
— Breaking News (@TheNewsTrending) May 10, 2026
1st Lt. Key, 27, hailed from Richmond, Virginia, serving as an Air Defense Artillery officer within the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. He began his military career as an officer candidate in 2023, obtaining his commission through Officer Candidate School and completed the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Brigadier General Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, expressed heartfelt condolences, stating, “We mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Kendrick Key, whose remains were recovered in Morocco. Our hearts are with his Family, friends, and those who served alongside him.”
Following recovery, his remains were transported by helicopter to Moulay El Hassan Military Hospital’s morgue in Guelmim, Morocco, with plans underway for repatriation to the United States. The family has been duly notified.
The second missing soldier’s identity remains undisclosed, and search efforts involving over 1,000 military and civil personnel are still ongoing.
As of now, search operations continue in hopes of locating the missing soldier.
