CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — The search for the second U.S. Army soldier missing in Morocco has ended. The remains of Spc. Mariyah Symone Collington, a 19-year-old from Taveres, Florida, have been found. This conclusion wraps up a large international search that involved air, naval, and advanced technology resources.
Collington was part of the Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. She enlisted in 2023 and started active duty in 2024. Her training took place at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as an air and missile defense crewmember. She was promoted to specialist in May 2026 and was awarded the Army Service Ribbon.
Her remains were transported by the Moroccan military to a hospital in Guelmim. This discovery follows the earlier recovery of another soldier, 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., who also went missing during a recreational hike.
The investigation of the incident is still active. The two soldiers were reported missing on May 2 while participating in the annual African Lion military exercise, which involves forces from over 30 nations. This year featured more than 7,000 personnel from countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal.
Search efforts involved over 1,000 military and civilian personnel from both the U.S. and Morocco. Advanced equipment like U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft and unmanned drones were deployed in the search.
Historically, military exercises in Morocco have had serious incidents before. For example, in 2012, a helicopter crash during these exercises resulted in the deaths of two U.S. Marines, highlighting the risks involved in such operations.
As military exercises continue worldwide, the safety of personnel remains a primary concern. Recent statistics indicate that outdoor activities, including hiking, can be dangerous, especially in rugged terrain. It’s a reminder of the importance of safety measures and training for service members.
This situation has sparked conversations on social media about the risks faced by military personnel during training exercises. Many users expressed their condolences and support for the families affected by these tragic events.
For more on military safety guidelines, visit the National Safety Council.
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