19-Year-Old US Army Soldier’s Body Found in Moroccan Coastal Cave 12 Days After Disappearance

The remains of a second American soldier who vanished in Morocco nearly two weeks ago have now been recovered from a coastal cave, military officials confirmed this week.0

Spc. Mariyah Symone Collington, who was just 19 years old, was found on May 12 alongside efforts by U.S. and Moroccan teams working together in tough terrain near the Cap Draa area.

This comes after she and another soldier, 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., went missing on May 2 while out on what seems to have been a casual hike to catch a sunset during a break from joint military exercises. They were taking part in the big African Lion training event that brings together forces from several countries.

The pair had been near ocean cliffs when one of them slipped into the rough Atlantic waters. The other jumped in hoping to help, but a strong wave hit and both ended up in serious trouble. A third person tried to reach them but had to turn back to safety.

Key’s body was located first, pulled from the shoreline on May 9. Search teams kept looking hard for Collington, dealing with powerful ocean currents, steep rocks, and tricky cave access that made everything much harder.

Collington, originally from Tavares, Florida, served as an air and missile defense crewmember with the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment based in Germany. She had joined the Army recently, finishing her training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma before heading overseas.

People who worked with her described her as someone full of energy and warmth who lifted up everyone around her with her positive attitude and sense of humor. Losing her is hitting her unit hard, but they are focusing now on supporting her family and friends through this.

The whole search involved more than a thousand personnel from both nations, covering huge stretches of sea and coast. Officials say the partnership and dedication shown by everyone involved was truly impressive.

With both soldiers now accounted for, the efforts have shifted to bringing them home and honoring their service.

This kind of tragedy reminds us how quickly things can change, even during what started as a simple outing away from the main exercises. Our thoughts are with their loved ones right now.