The United States Army confirmed Sunday that the remains of First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. have been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, while search operations continue for a second missing soldier.
Lieutenant Key, 27, of Richmond, Virginia, was found by a Moroccan military search team along the shoreline at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time Saturday. The discovery came nearly a week after the young officer and another serviceman reportedly fell from a cliff during an off-duty recreational hike near the Cap Draa Training Area on May 2.
The recovery site was located roughly one mile from where both soldiers are believed to have entered the ocean, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa officials.
“Today, we mourn the loss of First Lieutenant Kendrick Key, whose remains were recovered in Morocco,” stated Brigadier General 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 First Lieutenant Key’s family as we honor his life and service.”
Lieutenant Key served as a 14A Air Defense Artillery officer and was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. His military decorations include the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
The two soldiers were reported missing around 9 p.m. on May 2 while participating in African Lion, an annual multinational military exercise conducted across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal. The incident occurred near Tan-Tan, in terrain characterized by mountains, desert, and semi-desert plains.
The disappearance triggered an extensive search and rescue operation involving more than 600 personnel from the United States, Morocco, and other military partners. Ships, helicopters, and drones have been deployed in the coordinated effort to locate both servicemen.
Despite the conclusion of the African Lion exercises on Friday, a U.S. contingent has remained in Morocco to provide command and control support and to assist with the ongoing search and rescue mission for the second missing soldier.
The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the risks American servicemen and women face, even during routine training operations abroad. As search efforts continue, the thoughts of a grateful nation remain with the families of both soldiers and with the dedicated personnel working tirelessly to bring the second missing serviceman home.
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