The body of one of the soldiers who went missing during the multi-national joint military “African Lion” exercise in Morocco was recovered at 8:55 a.m. Saturday, the Army said in a statement, identifying the soldier as Lamont Key Jr.

Key was one of a group of soldiers who went on a hike May 2 to watch the sunset. A soldier who could not swim fell from an ocean cliff into the water. Another soldier jumped in to rescue him but was hit by a wave. A third soldier leaped in but was unable to retrieve either man, managing to struggle back to shore unharmed. It’s unclear whether Key is the soldier who couldn’t swim or the one who made the rescue attempt.

Army officials said the search for the second missing soldier will continue, focusing on the area where Key’s body was found but also including a wider perimeter.

The 27-year-old soldier had joined the Army in 2023, after graduating from Methodist University in North Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and minors in international business, entrepreneurship and business administration, according to the Army. He joined his battalion in 2025, quickly rising through the ranks to become a platoon leader, and was described as selfless, caring and inspirational by his leadership, winning several awards for his service, including the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

The Richmond, Virginia, native served as an air defense artillery officer with the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.  He “embodied the highest standards of service as a selfless, inspirational leader whose unwavering dedication to his soldiers and their development leaves an enduring legacy within our ranks,” said Lt. Col. Chris Couch, commander of 5-4 ADAR. 

Key’s colleagues were “grieving” and would “continue to support one another” as well as the soldier’s family “as we honor his life and service,” said Brigadier Gen. Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.

Key is survived by his parents, sister and brother-in-law.