TAN-TAN, Morocco — U.S. and Moroccan forces have recovered the body of a second American soldier who went missing during the multinational African Lion 26 military exercise in Morocco, bringing an end to a major search and rescue operation involving more than 1,000 personnel.
The U.S. Army identified the soldier as Mariyah Symone Collington, 19, of Tavares, Florida. Collington served as an air and missile defense crewmember with Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, under the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command based in Germany.
According to the U.S. military, Collington and another soldier went missing on May 2 near the Cap Draa Training Area after reportedly entering the ocean during the African Lion 26 exercise. Recovery teams located her body on May 12 inside a coastal cave about 500 meters from where the soldiers were last seen.
Officials said rough ocean conditions, difficult coastal terrain, and limited access to the cave complicated the recovery effort.
The remains of the first soldier, Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., had earlier been recovered during the operation.
“The loss of Spc. Collington is a profound loss for the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command,” said Brig. Gen. Curtis King, commanding general of the command. “Her recovery closes the search for our two missing Soldiers, but our commitment to caring for their Families, friends, and teammates continues.”
Authorities said the teams covered more than 21,300 square kilometers across sea and coastal areas using air, land, and maritime assets, including unmanned aerial systems and dive operations.
Gen. Christopher Donahue, Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, praised Moroccan authorities and allied forces for their support throughout the operation.
“They were with us during a difficult time – tireless, determined, and compassionate,” Donahue said. “Their willingness to do whatever it took to bring our Soldiers home to their families speaks volumes about the strength of our partnership.”
Collington joined the U.S. Army’s Delayed Entry Program in 2023 before beginning active-duty service in 2024. She completed military training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was assigned to her Germany-based unit in February 2025. She was promoted to specialist on May 1, 2026, one day before she went missing.
Her commanders described her as a dedicated and energetic soldier who had a strong impact on her unit.
“Her infectious energy fostered connection and camaraderie,” said Capt. Spencer Grider, commander of Charlie Battery. “Her presence will be greatly missed across our formation.”
Lt. Col. Chris Couch, commander of the 5-4 Air Defense Artillery Regiment battalion, said the unit would continue supporting her family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces transported the remains of both soldiers to the Moulay El Hassan Military Hospital in Guelmim before a dignified transfer ceremony at the military airport in Guelmim on May 12.
The remains were later flown to the United States aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130J aircraft.
