This is tragic.
The body of one of the two missing U.S. soldiers in Morocco has been recovered.
As the WLT Report previously covered, two U.S. service members went missing last week during African Lion 2026, the annual training operation led by the U.S. Africa Command.
Now, the U.S. Army has recovered the body of one of the missing soldiers, who has been identified as First Lieutenant Lamont Key Jr.
CBS News reported more on the recovery mission:
The body of an American soldier who went missing while in Morocco for an annual training exercise has been recovered, the U.S. Army announced on Sunday.
First Lieutenant Lamont Key Jr. was one of two U.S. service members who disappeared just over a week ago in waters off Morocco’s southern coast, near the Cap Draa Training Area, the Army said in a news release.
Army officials said search operations for the second serviceman, who has not been identified, will continue. Search efforts so far have involved more than 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military and civil personnel, according to the Army.
Both service members were taking part in African Lion, an annual training exercise, although defense officials previously told CBS News that the incident was not believed to be related to the event.
A preliminary report said the two were part of a group of service members who went on a hike to watch the sunset when a soldier known to not be able to swim fell into the water. Defense officials said the second missing soldier jumped in to attempt a rescue, but was hit by a wave. Other soldiers attempted to rescue the two, but were unsuccessful.
Here’s a photo of Lieutenant Lamont Key Jr:
Body of US soldier who went missing in Morocco found https://t.co/P0scO4l0vo
— Daily Mail US (@Daily_MailUS) May 10, 2026
The Daily Mail provided details on Key’s military background:
They found Key in the water along the shoreline on Saturday morning, within about one mile of where both soldiers had disappeared in the ocean.
Military teams were still searching for a second missing soldier as of Sunday, with a focus on the area where the two vanished.
An official said a US contingent remained in Morocco after the war games ended Friday to provide command and control and to continue search and rescue operations.
Key – a native of Richmond, Virginia – was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, the army said.
His decorations include the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
Lt Col Chris Couch said Key ’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.’.
‘Today, we mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Kendrick Key, whose remains were recovered in Morocco,’ added Brig. Gen Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
‘Our hearts are with his Family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him. The 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Family is grieving, and we will continue to support one another and 1st Lt. Key’s Family as we honor his life and service.’
