The remains of a U.S. soldier who went missing during military exercises in Morocco were recovered from the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday, the U.S. Army Europe and Africa confirmed. The service member was identified as 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a 27-year-old from Richmond, Virginia.
Key fell from a cliff while on a recreational hike during off-duty hours, according to the Associated Press. He was participating in African Lion, U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, which aims to enhance interoperability between American forces, NATO allies, and partner nations across the continent.
Virginia Governor Offers Condolences
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed grief over Key's death in a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter. “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,” she wrote. “Adam and I join Virginians across our Commonwealth in extending our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.”
Military Background and Service
Key was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, part of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. He served as a 14A Air Defense Artillery officer. The Army noted that he earned a degree in marketing from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, with minors in international business, entrepreneurship, and business administration.
Lt. Col. Chris Couch, commander of 5-4 ADAR, praised Key's leadership. “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,” Couch said. “The 5-4 ADAR Family mourns the loss of an exceptional teammate, and our heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the Key Family.”
Search and Rescue Efforts
More than 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military and civilian personnel were involved in the search and rescue operations. A second U.S. service member also reportedly fell from the same cliff, and efforts to recover that individual's remains are ongoing, a defense official told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
This incident adds to a series of recent military mishaps and raises questions about safety protocols during major exercises. The loss of two troops during African Lion underscores the risks service members face, even during routine off-duty activities. The Army has not yet released details on whether the cliff area was considered hazardous or if any safety measures were in place.
Key's death comes amid broader discussions about military readiness and the welfare of troops deployed overseas. The Pentagon has not commented on whether the incident will prompt a review of safety procedures for future exercises.
