The United States Army has confirmed that the body of missing American soldier Lamont Key Jr. was recovered along Morocco’s southern coastline following an extensive search operation during the annual African Lion military exercise.
According to army officials, Key disappeared on May 2 alongside another unidentified U.S. serviceman near the Cap Draa Training Area in Morocco after the pair were swept into the ocean. Military authorities said the incident occurred while a group of soldiers was hiking near the coast.
A preliminary report indicated that one soldier, who reportedly could not swim, fell into the water, while the second entered the sea in an attempt to rescue him before both were overtaken by strong waves.
The U.S. Army stated that Moroccan rescue teams recovered Key’s body on Saturday morning near the shoreline, roughly one mile from where the soldiers were last seen. Search efforts for the second missing serviceman are still ongoing, involving more than 1,000 American and Moroccan military and civilian personnel.
Key, 27, was from Richmond and served as an air defense artillery officer with the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. Military officials described him as a selfless and inspirational leader dedicated to supporting fellow soldiers.
Before joining the military in 2023, Key graduated from Methodist University with a degree in marketing and additional studies in international business and entrepreneurship.
The African Lion exercise is one of the largest joint military training programs involving U.S. and African forces. Authorities said investigations into the incident are continuing.
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