The U.S. Army announced that the body of First Lieutenant Lamont Key Jr. was recovered on May 9 near Morocco’s southern coast, where he and another soldier went missing during a training exercise earlier that week. The soldiers disappeared in waters off the Cap Draa Training Area while participating in an annual military exercise in Africa.
According to an Army news release, Key’s remains were found by a Moroccan military search team along the shoreline about a mile from the location where both soldiers vanished on May 2. Search and rescue efforts involved over 1,000 personnel from U.S. and Moroccan military and civilian organizations. The fate of the second missing soldier, whose identity has not been disclosed, remains unknown, and search operations continue.
Preliminary reports indicated that the two soldiers were hiking to watch a sunset when one reportedly fell into the water and could not swim. The other soldier entered the water attempting a rescue but was overcome by waves. Attempts by other soldiers to save them were unsuccessful.
First Lieutenant Key, 27, was an air defense artillery officer assigned to the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and was from Richmond, Virginia. He joined the battalion in 2025 and had advanced to platoon leader. Army officials described him as a dedicated and inspirational leader who had received awards including the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in marketing with minors in international business, entrepreneurship, and business administration from Methodist University, North Carolina. He enlisted in the Army in 2023.
Key is survived by his parents, sister, and brother-in-law, all of whom were notified prior to the announcement. His remains were transported to a morgue in Morocco, with repatriation plans underway.
Brigadier General Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, said Key’s colleagues are mourning his loss and are committed to supporting his family. Lt. Col. Chris Couch, commander of Key’s artillery unit, praised Key’s selflessness and leadership.
Why it matters
This recovery confirms the death of one U.S. soldier during a military training exercise in Morocco, highlighting the risks involved even in non-combat operations. The ongoing search for the second missing soldier demonstrates continued U.S. and allied efforts to account for all personnel. The incident underscores the importance of safety and rescue procedures during military training activities abroad.
Sources
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