The family of Army Specialist Mariyah Collington is in deep mourning following the return of her remains on Wednesday, a tragic conclusion to a fatal fall during a recreational hike in Morocco. Cherlette McCullough, a family member, expressed the emotional toll this loss has taken, stating, "Yesterday was tough. My family, we are all in a group chat today, talking and encouraging each other, but we're struggling. It's still hard; it's really hard." Dressed in bright colors, family members gathered near the airport tarmac to welcome Mariyah back home, a bittersweet moment filled with grief and love.
On May 2, while participating in the African Lion exercise, an annual multinational military event in Morocco, Collington fell off a cliff during an off-duty hike with another soldier. Following the incident, Moroccan military and civil personnel initiated an extensive search that lasted for several days before locating her remains in a coastal cave. Now, her family is focused on healing and cherishing the vibrant life that the 19-year-old led, marked by her passion for dancing and her infectious joy. McCullough reminisced about Collington, noting, "That's her real personality. Those TikTok videos and those pictures of her beautiful smile and fashion and all of the beautiful dresses. That's her real personality."
Described as a physically, mentally, and emotionally strong woman, Collington had long aspired to serve in the military. McCullough highlighted this aspiration, sharing, "You know, young adults, they think like, 'I'll just go to the military. I can't get into college; I can't do anything else.' This was her goal. This was her initial goal." A proud cheerleader, Collington graduated from Evans High School in 2024, with both her parents standing proudly by her side during this significant milestone. The family has turned to their faith for solace, emphasizing the importance of keeping her memory alive. McCullough stated, "Mariyah was always upbeat and always had a very happy personality. That's what we want her to be remembered by — her happiness, her light that she shared with everybody, and she will never be forgotten." Adding to the family's spirit of resilience, Collington's brother, who also harbors dreams of military service, embarked on his own journey just two weeks prior to her passing. A celebration of Mariyah's life is set for June 13, a day for loved ones to come together and honor the remarkable young woman she was.
As reported by wesh.com.
