US Ambassador, Army Commander Thank Morocco After Recovery of Missing Soldier

Marrakech – US Ambassador to Morocco, Duke Buchan, and the commanding general of US Army Europe and Africa have publicly thanked Moroccan authorities for their role in the search and recovery operation that followed the death of a US soldier near Cap Draa.

Ambassador Buchan expressed his condolences in a post on X, extending sympathies to the family of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., whose remains were recovered on May 9.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the soldier who tragically lost his life during African Lion,” Buchan wrote. He added that his thoughts were also with the family of the second soldier, for whom search and rescue efforts remain ongoing.

Buchan hailed the Moroccan response directly. “I also wish to convey my sincere appreciation to the Moroccan authorities for their swift response, professionalism, and unwavering commitment in the search and rescue efforts,” he said. “Your dedication reflects the strength of our partnership and shared humanity.”

I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the soldier who tragically lost his life during African Lion. My thoughts are with you during this time of profound grief. My thoughts are also with the family and loved ones of the missing soldier for whom search… https://t.co/k5KhG2MynJ

— Ambassador Duke Buchan (@USAmbMorocco) May 10, 2026

Gen. Christopher Donahue, commander of US Army Europe and Africa, echoed those remarks in a statement released by the US Army announcing the recovery. Donahue, who was present in Morocco during the search, said he witnessed firsthand the scale and urgency of the combined effort.

“Our Moroccan hosts have provided every asset we’ve requested and incredible subject-matter expertise, from mountaineering and dive teams to UAS operators, aircraft, and maritime assets,” he affirmed. “We’re incredibly grateful for the efforts they, along with our teammates from across the services, continue to pour in as we search for our remaining Soldier.”

U.S. and Moroccan forces are using drones, AI-powered imagery analysis and a wide range of military assets in the search for two missing American soldiers who the military says fell into the ocean during a hiking accident in southern Morocco. CBS News’ @SayChrisLive got access… pic.twitter.com/0A5j9T3fgJ

— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 7, 2026

Key, 27, of Richmond, Virginia, was one of two US soldiers who went missing on May 2 near the Cap Draa Training Area outside Tan-Tan. The two reportedly fell off a cliff into the Atlantic Ocean at approximately 9 p.m. local time while on a recreational hike. They had been participating in African Lion 2026, the largest annual US joint military exercise in Africa.

A US military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP shortly after the incident that the two soldiers may have fallen into the sea, pointing to the likelihood of an accident and ruling out terrorism.

A Moroccan military search team found Key’s remains in the water along the shoreline at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time on May 9. The body was located within roughly one mile of where both soldiers reportedly entered the ocean.

The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) transported the remains by helicopter to the morgue of Moulay El Hassan Military Hospital in Guelmim. Plans are underway to repatriate the remains to the US.

The disappearance triggered a large-scale search and rescue operation involving more than 1,000 US and Moroccan military and civil personnel. The operation deployed frigates, vessels, helicopters, drones, cave divers, and an unmanned underwater vehicle.

US Africa Command said the search covered more than 8,000 square kilometers of sea and coastline and included more than 10 aircraft.

Key was a platoon leader assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.

He held a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He entered military service in 2023 as an officer candidate and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2024. He joined Charlie Battery in 2025.

Brig. Gen. Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, noted in the US Army statement: “Today, we mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Kendrick Key, whose remains were recovered in Morocco. Our hearts are with his Family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him.”

Lt. Col. Chris Couch, commander of 5-4 ADAR, described Key as “a selfless, inspirational leader whose unwavering dedication to his Soldiers and their development leaves an enduring legacy within our ranks.”

Key’s awards include the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon. He is survived by his father, Kendrick Key Sr.; his mother, Jihan Key; his sister, Dakota Debose-Hill; and his brother-in-law, US Army Spc. James Brown.

A US contingent remained in Morocco after the exercise ended on Friday to provide command and control for the ongoing search. African Lion 2026 was launched in April across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal, involving more than 7,000 personnel from over 30 nations.