U.S. military rescuers and Moroccan military mountaineers recovered the remains of the second of two American soldiers who went missing on May 2 near the Cap Draa Training Area in Morocco during a training session.
The soldier was identified as Spc. Mariyah Symone Collington, 19, of Tavares, Florida, U.S. Army Europe and Africa announced May 13.
Collington served as an air and missile defense crew member and was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
“The loss of Spec. Collington is a profound loss for the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command,” said Brig. Gen. Curtis King in a statement.
Collington, who earned an Army Service Ribbon, entered the Army’s delayed entry program in 2023 before beginning active-duty service in 2024. She completed basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and reported to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, in Ansbach, Germany in February 2025. She was promoted to specialist on May 1, according to the Army.
She was known for her character and impact across her battery and was a treasured friend whose loss leaves a deep and profound void, her commanders said.
“Spc. Collington was an outstanding Soldier whose unwavering enthusiasm and positive spirit uplifted every environment she entered,” said Capt. Spencer Grider, commander of Charlie Battery. “Her infectious energy, whether in the office, in the field or among her peers, fostered connection and camaraderie, bringing people together through her genuine warmth and heartfelt sense of humor. Her presence will be greatly missed across our formation.”
Collington’s recovery closes the search and rescue mission for the two soldiers, who were lost during the annual “Africa Lion” multinational military exercise.
“Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him,” King said.
More than 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military and civil personnel helped in the search, covering more than 8,200 square miles across sea and shorelines, the Army said.
Teams used drones, aircraft, vessels, dive teams, mountaineering teams, and ground search equipment to find the soldiers.
"I can’t say enough about the extraordinary efforts of the Moroccan government, our sister services, and Allies,” said Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa. “They were with us during a difficult time—tireless, determined, and compassionate—to aid in the search for our two missing soldiers.”
The remains of Key and Collington left Morocco aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130J and are on the way to the United States, the Army said.