Remains Of 19-Year-Old FL Soldier Recovered After Fall During Hike In Morocco

The remains of a 19-year-old U.S. Army soldier from Florida who fell off a cliff while hiking in Morocco have been found, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Spc. Mariyah Symone Collington, of Tavares, was one of two soldiers who went missing May 2 near the Cap Draa Training Area, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa. The remains of the other soldier, 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., were recovered days earlier.

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Collington served as an air and missile defense crewmember and was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, according to the army.

Her remains were recovered Tuesday from a coastal cave about 1,600 feet from where both soldiers reportedly entered the ocean, according to the army.

“Spc. Collington was an outstanding Soldier whose unwavering enthusiasm and positive spirit uplifted every environment she entered,” Capt. Spencer Grider, commander of Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, said in an army news release.

“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.”

The two soldiers were off-duty and on a recreational hike when they fell. Over 1,000 people helped with the search, covering more than 13,000 miles, according to the army.

Collington joined the army’s Delayed Entry Program in 2023, started active-duty service in 2024, and completed training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, before reporting to Charlie Battery in Germany, according to the army, which noted she was promoted to specialist the day before the hiking incident. She also received the Army Service Ribbon.

The remains of both Collington and Key had departed Morocco for the U.S.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.