The U.S. Army announced on Sunday that the body of an American soldier who went missing during a training exercise in Morocco has been recovered.
First Lieutenant Lamont Key Jr. was one of two U.S. service members who disappeared in waters off Morocco’s southern coast near the Cap Draa Training Area earlier this month. The soldiers were participating in African Lion, an annual multinational military training exercise.
According to Army officials, search efforts are still ongoing for the second missing service member, whose identity has not yet been released. More than 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military and civilian personnel have taken part in the large-scale search operation.
Defense officials said the incident was not directly connected to the military exercise itself. Preliminary reports indicate the two soldiers were part of a group hiking near the coastline to watch the sunset when one soldier, reportedly unable to swim, fell into the water. The second soldier entered the ocean in an attempt to rescue him but was struck by strong waves. Other soldiers tried to assist both men but were unable to reach them in time.
The Army confirmed that Key’s body was recovered by a Moroccan military search team at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time on Saturday. Officials said his remains were found along the shoreline about one mile from the location where the soldiers disappeared on May 2.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Key was the soldier who initially fell into the water or the one who attempted the rescue.
Army officials stated that search operations for the second missing soldier will continue, with teams focusing on the area where Key’s body was discovered while also monitoring a wider search perimeter.
Key, 27, was from Richmond, Virginia, and served as an air defense artillery officer with the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
Military leaders described him as a dedicated and inspirational leader who deeply cared about his fellow soldiers.
“First Lieutenant Key embodied the highest standards of service as a selfless and inspirational leader whose dedication to his soldiers leaves an enduring legacy,” Lt. Col. Chris Couch said in a statement.
The Army said Key is survived by his parents, sister, and brother-in-law. His family was notified before the public announcement. His remains have been transported to a local morgue in Morocco, and preparations are underway to return him to the United States.
Brigadier General Curtis King said fellow soldiers are grieving the loss while continuing to support one another and Key’s family during the difficult time.
Key joined his battalion in 2025 and had risen to the position of platoon leader. During his military service, he earned several honors, including the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Before joining the Army in 2023, Key earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Methodist University in North Carolina. He also completed studies in international business, entrepreneurship, and business administration.
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