TAN-TAN, Morocco — The United States Army has identified a soldier recovered during ongoing search operations near the Cap Draa Training Area in Morocco following a military incident linked to African Lion 26 exercises.
In a statement, the Army said Moroccan military search teams recovered the body of Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., 27, along the shoreline near Cap Draa on May 9 at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time.
The Army said Key and another soldier went missing on May 2 after reportedly entering the ocean near the training area. Search operations for the second missing soldier are ongoing.
According to military officials, the remains were found roughly one mile from the location where both soldiers were last seen entering the water.
Key was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment under the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. He served as a platoon leader and Air Defense Artillery officer.
“Today, we mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Kendrick Key, whose remains were recovered in Morocco,” said 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,” King added.
Military officials said more than 1,000 American and Moroccan military and civilian personnel have participated in the multinational search effort involving ground, air, and maritime assets.
Commander of United States Army Europe and Africa, Gen. Christopher Donahue, praised Moroccan authorities for supporting the rescue mission with aircraft, dive teams, unmanned aerial systems, and maritime resources.
“Our Moroccan hosts have provided every asset we’ve requested and incredible subject-matter expertise,” Donahue said.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, Key earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Methodist University before joining the military in 2023 through Officer Candidate School.
He later completed the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before joining Charlie Battery in 2025.
Lt. Col. Chris Couch, commander of the 5-4 Air Defense Artillery Regiment, described Key as a dedicated and inspirational leader committed to the welfare of his soldiers.
“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.
Key’s military awards included the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
The Army said his next of kin had been notified. He is survived by his parents, sister and brother-in-law.
The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces transported his remains to Moulay El Hassan Military Hospital in Guelmim, Morocco, ahead of repatriation to the United States.
African Lion is an annual multinational military exercise involving the United States and African partner nations aimed at strengthening regional security cooperation and military readiness.
Search operations for the second missing soldier remain underway.
