The body of U.S. Army First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. has been recovered in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, a week after he and another soldier went missing during a training exercise. The U.S. Army confirmed the recovery on Sunday, marking a grim conclusion to an extensive search operation. Efforts are continuing to locate the second missing service member.
The recovery occurred approximately a mile from the cliffs near Cap Draa Training Area, where both soldiers were last seen on May 2. Moroccan search teams, utilizing ground, air, and maritime assets, found Key's remains along the shoreline. Key, 27, was a platoon leader and air defense artillery officer from Richmond, Virginia, assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
Read More: US Soldier's Body Found in Morocco; Search for Second Continues
The disappearance of Key and his fellow soldier triggered a significant search-and-rescue operation involving more than 600 personnel from the United States, Morocco, and other partner nations. The operation spanned over 4,600 square miles. While the search for the second soldier intensifies, focusing on the area where Key's remains were found, a broader perimeter remains under observation.
Both soldiers were participating in the 'African Lion' exercise, an annual multinational military event hosted in Morocco. Reports suggest the disappearance may have occurred during a recreational hike while off duty, with the soldiers falling from a cliff. The U.S. Army expressed its mourning for the loss of First Lieutenant Key.
