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Remains of US soldier who went missing in Morocco recovered

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by Ashleigh Fields - 05/10/26 10:57 PM ET

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by Ashleigh Fields - 05/10/26 10:57 PM ET

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The remains of a US soldier who went missing in Morocco were recovered on Saturday from the Atlantic Ocean.

The deceased service member was identified as 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. of Richmond, Virginia, by the U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

Key fell off a cliff during a recreational hike while off duty, according to The Associated Press.

“I’m saddened to learn of the passing of First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. of Richmond after he went missing during training exercises in Morocco last week,” Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger wrote in a statement on the social platform X.

“Adam and I join Virginians across our Commonwealth in extending our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones,” she added.

Key was in Morocco to participate in African Lion, Africom’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to “strengthen interoperability” among U.S. forces, NATO allies and African partner nations.

He was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and served as a 14A Air Defense Artillery officer, per the Army’s release. He earned a degree in marketing from Methodist University in Fayetteville, N.C., with minors in international business, entrepreneurship, and business administration.

Key was 27 years old at his time of death.

“Kendrick embodied the highest standards of service as a selfless, inspirational leader whose unwavering dedication to his Soldiers and their development leaves an enduring legacy within our ranks,” said Lt. Col. Chris Couch, commander of 5-4 ADAR.

“The 5-4 ADAR Family mourns the loss of an exceptional teammate, and our heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the Key Family.”

More than 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military and civil personnel were involved in the search and rescue operations.

In addition to Key, another US servicemember reportedly fell off the cliff. The search to recover their remains will continue, a U.S. defense official unauthorized to speak on the matter told AP.

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