Body Of Richmond Soldier Missing In Morocco Recovered

The body of the Richmond soldier who went missing in Morocco on May 2 has been recovered, the U.S. Army announced Sunday.

First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., 27, of Richmond, Virginia, was a platoon leader assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. He and another soldier were reported missing in Morocco as they took part in the African Lion joint military exercise, though not during military training.

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Task and Purpose reports that Key and two other U.S. soldiers had an apparent accident while on seaside cliffs on Morocco's southwest coast May 2. One soldier fell into the water and two jumped in after to try to save him.

According to the army, he was found in the water Saturday morning by a Moroccan military search team.

More than 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military personnel have been involved with the search, the army says.

According to the U.S. Army, Key entered military service in 2023 as an officer candidate and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2024 as an Air Defense Artillery officer.

“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,” said Lt. Col. Chris Couch, commander of the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, in an Army press release.

The search continues for the remaining missing soldier.

Read more from the Army's statement here.