The body of one of the two missing US soldiers who disappeared during a military training exercise in has been recovered, the has confirmed.
The deceased soldier has been identified as , a 27-year-old 1st Lieutenant, platoon leader, and air defence artillery officer from Richmond, Virginia.
According to the Army, a Moroccan military search team discovered his body in the water along the shoreline, about a mile from the cliffs where both soldiers reportedly went missing on May 2, 2026.
Search efforts are still ongoing for the second missing soldier, with both US and Moroccan forces deploying ground, air, and maritime resources in the operation.
Brigadier General , Commanding General of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defence Command, expressed sorrow over the tragic loss.
“Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him,” he said in a statement.
The soldiers were participating in , Africa’s largest annual joint military exercise involving US forces, NATO allies, and African partner nations. The exercise is being hosted across Morocco, , Senegal, and Tunisia.
According to reports, the soldiers had been hiking with a group to watch the sunset when one reportedly fell into the ocean. Fellow soldiers attempted a rescue using a human chain formed with belts before another soldier jumped into the water in an effort to save him.
One of the rescuers managed to return safely, while the other two were swept away by strong waves.
Authorities say investigations into the incident are ongoing, while arrangements are being made to repatriate Lt. Key’s body to the United States.
