US Army Recovers Remains of Second Soldier Missing During Moroccan Exercise

The U.S. Army has successfully recovered the remains of Spc. Mariyah Symone Collington, 19, following an extensive search effort near Cap Draa in Southern Morocco. The recovery concludes an 11-day operation initiated after both Collington and 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., 26, were reported missing during a joint military exercise on May 2.

Collington, assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, was identified following her retrieval from a coastal cave approximately 1,600 feet from where the soldiers entered the water. The recovery process was complicated by challenging ocean conditions and difficult terrain, according to an Army release. Earlier in the week, Key Jr.'s remains were found one mile offshore and transported to Moulay El Hassan Military Hospital in Guelmim for repatriation.

The incident occurred during African Lion 26, a major U.S. Africa Command exercise involving over 40 nations across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. Both soldiers were participating in training when one fell into the ocean during a hike along coastal cliffs; Key Jr. reportedly jumped in to assist. The search effort involved more than 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military personnel.

Capt. Spencer Grider, Collington's commander, praised her as an "outstanding soldier" whose positivity and humor fostered camaraderie among her peers. The incident remains under investigation, with officials emphasizing the ongoing collaboration between U.S. and Moroccan forces in ensuring the safety and welfare of all participants during such exercises.