• The body of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. has been recovered in Morocco.
• He was part of a training exercise when the incident occurred.
• A search is still underway for the second missing soldier.
• The recovery operation involved over 600 personnel and various rescue assets.
• African Lion 26, the exercise involved forces from over 30 nations.

The body of 1st Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., who went missing during military exercises in Morocco, has been recovered, as confirmed by the U.S. Army on May 9. Key was one of two soldiers who reportedly fell off a cliff during a recreational hike off-duty. His body was found along the shoreline approximately one mile from where both soldiers entered the ocean, according to a statement from U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and Los Angeles Times and CBS News.

The search for the second soldier continues, with military teams deployed in a major operation involving frigates, helicopters, and drones, covering an extensive area of over 4,600 square miles. The search operation, now in its ninth day, has included more than 600 military personnel from the United States and Morocco, among other nations. This coordinated effort was prompted by the soldiers' disappearance during African Lion, an annual multinational military exercise, as reported by NPR and Los Angeles Times.

1st Lt. Key was known for his role in the 14A Air Defense Artillery and had a strong background, having earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing before joining the military in 2023. He was honored with decorations including the Army Achievement Medal. His assignment indicates a commitment to service within a significant multinational framework like African Lion 26, which features over 7,000 personnel from 30 nations, making it the largest U.S. joint military exercise in Africa, as detailed by CBS News, Los Angeles Times, and NPR.