U.S. and Moroccan forces have recovered the body of the second American soldier who went missing earlier this month during the multinational African Lion 2026 military exercise near Morocco’s Cap Draa training area, AFRICOM said in a statement.
The soldier, identified as Mariyah Symone Collington, 19, of Tavares, Florida, was recovered Monday from a coastal cave located about 500 meters from the area where the two soldiers reportedly entered the ocean on May 2.
The recovery effort involved U.S. Air Force pararescuemen from the 406th Air Expeditionary Wing, Moroccan military mountaineers and Moroccan Civil Protection teams.
The statement said difficult ocean conditions, rugged coastal terrain and limited cave accessibility complicated the search operation.
With both missing soldiers now accounted for, search and rescue operations have concluded and efforts are shifting toward recovery and repatriation.
Collington served as an air and missile defense crewmember assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, under the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
She entered the Army’s Delayed Entry Program in 2023 and began active-duty service in 2024 after completing training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. She had been stationed in Ansbach, Germany, since February 2025 and was promoted to specialist on May 1.
“The loss of Spc. Collington is a profound loss for the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command,” said Curtis King, commanding general of the command. He thanked U.S. and Moroccan personnel for their support during the operation.
More than 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military and civilian personnel participated in the search, covering more than 21,300 square kilometers across maritime and coastal zones.
Authorities deployed aircraft, drones, dive teams, surface vessels and ground search units while adjusting operations daily based on weather conditions and drift analysis.
Military officials said Collington was widely respected within her unit for her positive attitude and leadership qualities.
“Her infectious energy, whether in the office, in the field or among her peers, fostered connection and camaraderie,” said Spencer Grider, commander of Charlie Battery.
The remains of Collington and fellow soldier Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. were transported by Moroccan military helicopter to Moulay El Hassan Military Hospital in Guelmim before departing Morocco aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130J aircraft bound for the United States.
Officials said the incident remains under investigation.
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