US Army Recovers Body of Second Soldier Missing in Morocco

The U.S. Army has recovered the remains of Specialist Mariyah Symone Collington, 19, the second soldier who went missing after falling into the Atlantic Ocean during training exercises in Morocco. Collington’s body was located on May 12 by Air Force pararescuemen and Moroccan search and rescue teams near the Cap Draa Training Area, ten days after she and First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. disappeared. The incident occurred on May 2 when a group of service members hiking near oceanside cliffs fell into the water. Key’s remains were previously found on May 9. Both soldiers served in Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. The extensive eleven-day search operation covered over 21,300 square kilometers, involving military and civilian personnel from the United States, Morocco, and France, utilizing ships and aircraft for reconnaissance. The tragedy took place during African Lion 26, a major annual multinational military exercise. Collington, who had recently been promoted to specialist, and Key are being returned to the United States. Army commanders expressed deep sorrow over the loss, praising Collington as a treasured friend and thanking international partners for their dedication to the recovery effort.