Lead
The remains of a US Army officer who went missing during military exercises in Morocco have been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean, while the search continues for a second missing soldier, according to military officials.
1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., 27, of Richmond, Virginia, was recovered Saturday, U.S. Army Europe and Africa announced Sunday. Key, an Air Defense Artillery officer, was one of two US soldiers who reportedly fell from a cliff during an off-duty recreational hike near the Cap Draa Training Area on May 2, as reported by Fox News and the Jerusalem Post, citing the Associated Press.
Coverage Comparison
Fox News reported that a Moroccan military search team found Key in the water along the shoreline at about 8:55 a.m. local time Saturday, roughly one mile from where both soldiers reportedly entered the ocean. The Jerusalem Post, citing the Associated Press, provided similar details, noting that the search and rescue operation involved over 600 personnel from the US, Morocco, and other military allies, and included the use of frigates, ships, helicopters, and drones.
Key Claims
Recovery of remains: Both outlets confirm that Key’s remains were recovered from the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday, May 9. The Moroccan military search team found him near the shoreline, approximately one mile from where the soldiers reportedly entered the water.
Circumstances of disappearance: Both sources report that Key and another US soldier fell from a cliff during a recreational hike on their off-duty time. The incident occurred near the Cap Draa Training Area outside Tan-Tan, a terrain featuring mountains, desert, and semi-desert plains, according to Fox News.
Search and rescue operation: The Jerusalem Post, citing AP, reports that over 600 personnel from the US, Morocco, and other military allies participated in the search, involving frigates, ships, helicopters, and drones. Fox News also mentions the involvement of ships, helicopters, and drones.
Military service details: Fox News provides additional background on Key, noting that he entered military service in 2023 as an officer candidate and received the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. These details are not mentioned in the Jerusalem Post report.
Exercise context: Both sources mention that the soldiers were participating in African Lion, an annual multinational military exercise. Fox News specifies that African Lion 26 is a US-led exercise that began in April across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal.
Perspectives
US Military’s Response: Brig. Gen. Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, expressed grief over Key’s death, saying, “Today, we mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Kendrick Key, whose remains were recovered in Morocco. Our hearts are with his Family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him.” This sentiment was echoed in both reports.
Search Efforts: The operation’s scale—over 600 personnel and multiple assets—reflects the seriousness with which both US and Moroccan forces treated the disappearance. The recovery of Key’s body on Saturday marked the end of a week-long search, but the fate of the second soldier remains unknown.
As the search for the second soldier continues, the international community awaits further updates. The incident underscores the risks faced by military personnel even during off-duty recreational activities in challenging terrains.