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The U.S. Army has recovered the body of one of two American soldiers who vanished last week during a training exercise in Morocco after a daring and heartbreaking rescue attempt went wrong.

The soldier has been identified as 27-year-old First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a platoon leader and air defense artillery officer from Richmond, Virginia. Moroccan search teams found his body in the water along the shoreline, roughly one mile from the cliffs where both soldiers disappeared on May 2.

U.S. and Moroccan forces continue searching for the second missing soldier using ground, air, and maritime assets.

According to preliminary reports, the soldiers were hiking with a group to watch the sunset when one fell into the ocean. In a desperate effort to save their comrade — who could not swim — the others formed a human chain using their belts. When that failed, another soldier jumped into the treacherous waters. Moments later, a powerful wave struck, prompting a third soldier to dive in after them.

Only the third soldier managed to make it back to safety.

It remains unclear whether Lt. Key was the first to fall or one of the brave rescuers who jumped in to help.

This incident shines a heartbreaking light on the extraordinary brotherhood and courage within the U.S. military. In a split-second decision, these soldiers risked — and ultimately gave — their lives trying to save one another during what should have been a routine sunset hike while participating in African Lion 2026, America’s largest joint military exercise on the African continent.

Lt. Key was remembered as a selfless leader who deeply cared for his soldiers. His commander described him as “an inspirational leader whose unwavering dedication leaves an enduring legacy.”

As the search continues for the second missing soldier, the entire 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command is mourning the loss. The Army expressed its deepest condolences to Key’s family, friends, and teammates.

This tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers service members face even outside of combat zones — and the extraordinary lengths they will go to protect one another.