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7 Things to Do in Houston This Weekend, Aug. 21-23

Que Onda Editorial
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7 Things to Do in Houston This Weekend, Aug. 21-23

Concerts, baseball, theater and family activities fill the Houston calendar from Friday through Sunday. These things to do in Houston this weekend include free jazz, major Latin music performances and an Astros home series.

Event details can change. Visitors should confirm tickets, parking and schedules with organizers before leaving home.

Hear Free Jazz at Miller Outdoor Theatre

Houston saxophonist Jason Hainsworth and New Jazz Underground share the stage Friday at Miller Outdoor Theatre. The DACAMERA double bill begins at 8 p.m.

Admission is free. Tickets are required for covered seating, while the hill remains open without tickets. Guests can bring blankets or chairs for the outdoor performance.

See Grupo Duelo at Toyota Center

Grupo Duelo brings its Gravedad Tour 2026 to Toyota Center for three shows. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Sunday concert starts at 7 p.m.

The Texas-based group has built a loyal audience with romantic norteño music. The Houston shows feature a new stage production developed for the tour.

Catch Eslabon Armado at 713 Music Hall

Mexican American group Eslabon Armado performs Saturday at 713 Music Hall. The band’s Amor Nocturno stop begins at 8 p.m.

The group is known for combining regional Mexican sounds with emotionally direct lyrics. Tickets are available through the venue’s official website.

Watch the Astros Face the Athletics

The Houston Astros host the Athletics throughout the weekend at Daikin Park. Friday’s game begins at 7:10 p.m., followed by Saturday’s matchup at 6:10 p.m.

The series concludes Sunday at 1:10 p.m. Tickets and current game information are available through the Astros’ official website.

Fans should allow additional time for downtown traffic, security screening and parking.

Experience Theater and Dance at MATCH

The Garden Theatre presents “Xanadu” at 8 p.m. Friday at Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston. The roller-skating musical comedy features songs by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar.

NobleMotion Dance also presents “CHANT” at 8 p.m. Friday. The production combines movement, live vocal performance and sensory technology. Tickets for both shows are available through the MATCH calendar.

Visit Mythical Realms at the Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo’s Mythical Realms experience features more than 60 life-size animatronic creatures. Dragons and other legendary figures appear throughout the seasonal attraction.

The zoo also concludes its Back to School celebration Sunday. Weekend hours are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nonmembers need timed reservations, according to the Houston Zoo.

Try Bilingual Yoga and Family Art at MFAH

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, hosts bilingual yoga Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon. A family art-making studio follows from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Visitors can also explore “Hew Locke: Passages,” a multimedia exhibition examining colonialism, migration and public symbols. Admission requirements vary by program, so guests should review the MFAH calendar before arriving.

With indoor and outdoor choices across the city, Houston families have several ways to enjoy the final full weekend of August.

Alaska Charter Plane Crash Kills 8, Including 2 Army Corps Employees

Que Onda Editorial
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Alaska Charter Plane Crash Kills 8, Including 2 Army Corps Employees

An Alaska charter plane crash killed eight people near a remote military radar site Thursday, Aug. 20. Two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees were among those who died, according to officials.

The twin-engine aircraft carried two pilots and six passengers. Authorities reported no survivors.

Alaska Charter Plane Crash Near Cape Newenham

The Cessna 441 departed from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. It was traveling to Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport in western Alaska.

The destination sits about 450 miles west of Anchorage. The private military airport provides access to an aircraft-tracking radar facility.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers chartered the flight, according to sources. The agency confirmed that two of its employees died in the crash.

Officials had not publicly identified the pilots or passengers as of Friday. Authorities were coordinating with the victims’ families and several responding agencies.

Security Aviation, an Anchorage-based charter company, operated the flight, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in a public statement.

Federal Investigators Travel to Crash Site

National Transportation Safety Board investigators were traveling to the scene Friday. The Federal Aviation Administration will also participate in the investigation.

Officials have not determined what caused the crash. Investigators will examine the aircraft, available flight information, weather conditions and other evidence.

Early reports indicated fog near the area. However, authorities have not linked the weather to the accident.

The isolated location could complicate the investigation. Cape Newenham lies along Alaska’s western coast, far from the state’s major population centers.

The airport serves an active military radar site and does not operate like a regular commercial airport. Military aircraft and authorized charter flights use the facility.

Radar Facility Supports Alaska Airspace Monitoring

The Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center manages the Cape Newenham radar site. It belongs to a network that tracks aircraft across Alaska’s airspace and along U.S. borders.

Officials did not disclose the specific work assigned to the people aboard the plane. Alaskan Command described them as professionals performing an important mission in a difficult environment.

“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis said in a statement.

Davis commands Alaskan Command, the Alaskan NORAD Region and the Eleventh Air Force. He said supporting the victims’ relatives, friends and colleagues remains the military’s highest priority.

He also thanked the search and recovery personnel who responded to the remote site.

Officials and Alaska Leaders Offer Condolences

Murkowski expressed condolences to the victims’ families and the Security Aviation team. She also recognized the U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers, NTSB and Rescue Coordination Center for their response.

The investigation remains in its early stages. A preliminary NTSB report could provide additional information, but determining the probable cause may take much longer.

Families, colleagues and communities connected to the victims are awaiting further information as investigators begin documenting the crash.

‘It’s unfair’: Mother says teen’s wrongful arrest had him in jail for 48 hours

ABC13 Houston
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‘It’s unfair’: Mother says teen’s wrongful arrest had him in jail for 48 hours

SPRING, Texas (KTRK) — A teen spent days in jail and was left with thousands in fees after being arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, a mother said.

Rosland Wright told ABC13 her son, 17-year-old Leonard King, spent 48 hours in jail for an aggravated assault investigators later determined he wasn’t involved in.

Wright said last month, her son was arrested by Harris County Constable Precinct 4.

She said a photo of his arrest was posted on Precinct 4’s social media page after he was taken into custody while at the apartment complex where they live.

Wright said she wasn’t home at the time, but that he was gone when she got back.

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“They didn’t give me any information because he’s 17. With him being 17, they charged him as an adult,” Wright said.

According to court records, a juvenile victim told deputies there was a planned meet-up for a fight.

The victim said when he got there, someone got out of a vehicle with a gun and hit him several times.

The next day, Wright said her son was taken into custody as the alleged suspect.

“He did 48 hours in jail for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and he knew he didn’t do it, but the police didn’t believe him,” Wright said.

She went to law enforcement and the Harris County District Attorney’s office with video evidence she found to clear her son’s name.

“It was easy for me to pull up the stuff on social media and identify the kids and to do my part as a mom, you know, to make sure that this was cleared up,” Wright said.

According to court documents, after reviewing video of the assault, deputies concluded, “the originally identified individual was not responsible for committing the offense.”

Precinct 4 said the charges against King were dropped and that the correct suspect was arrested.

Court documents said a deputy identified King as the suspect through a school photo ID card and a physical description. Skip Ad

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Wright said the only thing the correct suspect and her son have in common is their first name.

“If you look at the pictures of the kids, they look nothing alike,” Wright said. “I don’t want to say this was a case of mistaken identity and negligence, but I truly believe that’s exactly what it was.”

Now, Wright said she’s left fighting to make sure this doesn’t follow her son into the next chapter of his life.

“When it comes to that, getting this expunged and smoothed over, it is left on me to fit the bill of the $5,000, $1,500 retainer fee, $398 filing fee, and it’s just left up to me to clean it up,” Wright said. “I feel like it’s unfair. You made a mistake. Fix it. Fix it.”

ABC13 asked Precinct 4 how something like this could’ve happened. They didn’t answer specific questions, but sent a statement that read in part:

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“Based on the information provided by the victim, deputies located an individual believed to be the suspect.”

ABC13 also reached out to the DA’s office about the case and is waiting to hear back.

“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.”

Max Verstappen Signs New Red Bull Contract Through 2030

Michael Esparza
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Max Verstappen Signs New Red Bull Contract Through 2030

Max Verstappen has signed a new Red Bull contract that will keep him with the Formula 1 team through 2030. The extension adds two seasons to his previous agreement and ends months of uncertainty about his future.

Red Bull announced the deal Thursday, Aug. 20, before Verstappen’s home race at the Dutch Grand Prix. The four-time world champion has driven for the team since 2016.

Max Verstappen Red Bull contract extends successful partnership

Verstappen’s previous contract ran through the end of 2028. However, reported performance clauses and Red Bull’s recent struggles had fueled questions about whether he would leave early.

The Dutch driver was linked with a possible move to McLaren during the 2026 season. He also publicly discussed whether he wanted to remain in Formula 1 beyond his existing deal.

Verstappen later said retirement had been a more realistic option than joining another team. He now hopes to finish his Formula 1 career with Red Bull.

The new agreement would take Verstappen through his age-33 season. Financial terms and any performance-related exit clauses were not announced.

Verstappen commits to Red Bull’s rebuilding effort

Red Bull has faced a challenging start to Formula 1’s new technical era. Reliability problems, crashes and inconsistent performance have left the team behind the leading contenders during parts of 2026.

Still, Verstappen has remained closely involved in the team’s development work. He previously said engineers and drivers were focused on solving the car’s problems and preparing for future seasons.

Team principal Laurent Mekies said the extension reflects years of trust between Verstappen and Red Bull. Mekies also described retaining Verstappen as important for the team and Formula 1.

According to Red Bull, both sides believe in the organization’s staff, culture and long-term direction. The team is developing its own power unit with Ford under the regulations introduced in 2026.

Verstappen called Red Bull his second family while discussing the agreement. He also thanked Mekies and the organization for their continued confidence.

A partnership built on championships

Verstappen joined Red Bull from Toro Rosso during the 2016 season. He won the Spanish Grand Prix in his first race with the senior team, becoming Formula 1’s youngest race winner.

The partnership later produced four consecutive drivers’ championships from 2021 through 2024. Verstappen entered the 2026 season with 71 Grand Prix victories, 48 pole positions and 127 podium finishes, according to his official Red Bull driver profile.

His first long-term extension arrived after his 2021 championship. That agreement originally secured him through 2028. The latest contract adds another two years to one of Formula 1’s most successful modern partnerships.

New deal shapes the Formula 1 driver market

Verstappen’s decision removes one of the biggest potential names from the upcoming driver market. Several teams had been monitoring his position as they planned future lineups.

It also gives Red Bull stability as the organization continues adapting under Mekies. The team now has its leading driver committed during a critical period for its chassis and power-unit programs.

For Formula 1 fans, the Max Verstappen Red Bull contract provides a clear answer after months of speculation. Attention will now return to whether Red Bull can build a car capable of putting its champion back in title contention.

DEA Joins Hayden Panettiere Death Investigation in South Carolina

Que Onda Editorial
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DEA Joins Hayden Panettiere Death Investigation in South Carolina

The DEA has joined the Hayden Panettiere death investigation following the actor’s death in Greenville, South Carolina. However, authorities have not announced the agency’s specific assignment or determined an official cause of death.

Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive at an apartment on Aug. 16. Emergency crews attempted to revive her before declaring her dead at the scene.

DEA Assists Local Investigation

The Drug Enforcement Administration will assist the Greenville Police Department, according to reports citing sources familiar with the investigation. Local police remain the lead agency.

Federal agents can help identify controlled substances and trace how drugs were obtained. They may also review prescriptions, communications and possible distribution networks. However, officials have not said which tasks the DEA will perform in this case.

The agency’s participation does not confirm that Panettiere died from an overdose. It also does not establish that anyone committed a crime.

Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified any suspects. Greenville police previously said investigators found no initial evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

Hayden Panettiere Death Investigation Awaits Test Results

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office completed an autopsy after Panettiere’s death. The examination found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death.

However, the cause and manner of death remain undetermined. Additional studies, including toxicology testing, are pending. Such tests can take several weeks to complete.

Emergency dispatch audio referenced a possible overdose and cardiac arrest. Those communications reflected information available during the emergency response. They do not represent a final medical conclusion.

According to a police incident report, first responders performed CPR after arriving at the apartment. Panettiere was pronounced dead shortly after 2:30 p.m.

Brian Hickerson, Panettiere’s on-and-off partner, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the apartment. The report said the men spoke with responding officers. Details from portions of those conversations were redacted.

Police also documented a bag containing Panettiere’s medications. Authorities have not publicly identified those medications or connected them to her death.

Actor Had Spoken About Addiction and Depression

Panettiere became widely known through roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville” and “Remember the Titans.” She began acting as a child and later earned two Golden Globe nominations for “Nashville.”

She had also spoken publicly about struggles with alcohol, drug use and postpartum depression. Panettiere addressed those experiences in interviews and in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” released in May.

That history provides context but does not determine what caused her death. Investigators must rely on medical evidence, toxicology findings and other verified information.

The DEA’s participation adds federal resources to an investigation that remains active. Until officials release the final findings, reports describing Panettiere’s death as an overdose remain unconfirmed.

Her death has renewed attention on addiction, mental health and the risks associated with controlled substances. Families seeking confidential treatment information can contact the federal substance use helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

‘Sons of Anarchy’ Cast Reunites for FX Limited Series ‘Legends’

Michael Esparza
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‘Sons of Anarchy’ Cast Reunites for FX Limited Series ‘Legends’

The cast of “Sons of Anarchy” is returning to FX more than a decade after the motorcycle drama ended. The new Sons of Anarchy “Legends” series will reunite Charlie Hunnam with several major members of the original ensemble.

However, “Legends” will not continue the story of Jax Teller or the SAMCRO motorcycle club. Instead, the actors will play fictional versions of themselves in a new meta-thriller.

What Is the ‘Sons of Anarchy’ ‘Legends’ Series About?

“Legends” begins when the “Sons of Anarchy” cast reunites at a fan convention. The gathering takes place more than a decade after the original series ended.

According to FX’s official synopsis, the reunion blurs the line between reality and fiction. The formerly close cast members must confront a dangerous real-world threat.

The story will draw from the actors’ shared history while placing them in a fictional thriller. It gives FX a way to revisit the show’s legacy without reversing the original finale.

The concept also allows characters who died during the original series to be represented through their actors. Therefore, the limited series is neither a traditional sequel nor a revival.

Original Cast Members Returning for ‘Legends’

Charlie Hunnam will lead the project after starring as Jax Teller throughout the original show’s seven seasons.

The returning cast also includes:

  • Ron Perlman, who played Clay Morrow
  • Katey Sagal, who played Gemma Teller Morrow
  • Maggie Siff, who played Tara Knowles
  • Mark Boone Junior, who played Bobby Munson
  • Tommy Flanagan, who played Chibs Telford
  • Kim Coates, who played Tig Trager
  • Theo Rossi, who played Juice Ortiz

Each performer will appear as a version of themselves rather than reprise a former character. Additional cast members have not been announced.

Charlie Hunnam Leads the New FX Project

Hunnam created and developed “Legends.” He will also serve as a writer, star and executive producer.

Jonathan Groff will serve as showrunner and executive producer. This Groff is the television writer and producer known for “Happy Endings” and “This Fool,” not the actor with the same name.

Rob Mac, Nicholas Frenkel and Jackie Cohn will also serve as executive producers. FX Productions and 20th Television will produce the limited series.

“When Charlie brought us this inspired idea, we instantly sparked to his bold and entertaining vision,” FX Entertainment President Nick Grad said in the network’s announcement.

Grad described the project as both a tribute to the original drama and a playful twist on audience expectations.

Is ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Creator Kurt Sutter Involved?

Kurt Sutter, who created “Sons of Anarchy,” is not currently listed among the new series’ producers. According to published reports, he gave Hunnam his approval to move forward with the concept.

Sutter previously expanded the franchise with “Mayans M.C.,” which he created with Elgin James. That series premiered in 2018 and ran for five seasons.

Other proposed projects included “First Nine,” a potential prequel about the motorcycle club’s founders. Another idea would have followed Jax’s sons, Abel and Thomas. Neither project reached television.

“Legends” will take a different approach by moving outside the franchise’s established fictional world.

A Return to the World of SAMCRO

“Sons of Anarchy” premiered on FX in 2008 and concluded in 2014. The crime drama produced 92 episodes across seven seasons.

The series followed Jax Teller as he struggled with loyalty, family and violence inside the SAMCRO motorcycle club. Its mix of crime, tragedy and family conflict developed a dedicated audience.

FX has not announced when production on “Legends” will begin. A premiere date and episode count also remain unavailable.

The limited series is expected to air on FX and stream on Hulu in the United States. Until then, all seven seasons of the original drama remain available through FX on Hulu.

Man found guilty of capital murder in 2023 case of 2 cannabis businessmen found dead in Houston

ABC13 Houston
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Man found guilty of capital murder in 2023 case of 2 cannabis businessmen found dead in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A 28-year-old man has been found guilty of capital murder for the deaths of two marijuana growers whose bodies were found in the Houston area three years ago, according to court records.

The Harris County Clerk’s website states that Polie Phan has been convicted and is expected to be sentenced to life in prison.

ABC13 originally reported on the case in the Timbergrove Garden community on January 27, 2023.

Neighbors requested a welfare check for a home in the 1700 block of T.C. Jester after reporting to police that they had noticed a Toyota Prius running in the garage for hours and that the homeowner was not answering the phone.

Once Houston Police Department officers arrived, 35-year-old Dana Lars Ryssdal was found with several gunshot wounds inside the home, which was owned by his friend James Gerald Martin III’s parents.

It was also reported that Martin was missing, along with a white Dodge Ram truck.

According to court documents, several moving boxes and bags of what appeared to be marijuana, packaged in airtight wrapping, were found in various places throughout the home. Possible firearm projectiles were also found. In the kitchen, a crime scene investigator found multiple bundles of cash in the freezer, totaling $35,980, according to records.

It wasn’t until February 1 that Martin was found bound, shot, and killed in the trunk of the Toyota Prius that was at an HPD impound lot for evidence processing.

Documents said Martin’s mom told officials that her son and Ryssdal were commercial marijuana farmers in Oregon and were in the process of selling their cannabis harvesting business.

Two months later, three people, Phan and Jaidan Vu Nguyen, and Kathy Vu, were identified and wanted in connection with the incident.

Kathy was arrested and found to have allegedly cleaned up the home where Ryssdal was found. She was helping Phan, with whom she was in a relationship.

Jaidan Vu and Phan were on the run and were eventually captured in Vietnam, six months after the murders.

According to the HPD, an H-E-B receipt led them to identify all three suspects.

Vu allegedly told police that Martin owed Phan over $40,000 “after a narcotics-related transaction did not go as planned.” Court documents said police believed that Phan and Martin were familiar with each other.

“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.”

Spring ISD skirts potential takeover after making academic gains

ABC13 Houston
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Spring ISD skirts potential takeover after making academic gains

SPRING, Texas (KTRK) — Annual state accountability ratings show that Spring ISD improved from a D-rated district to a C and reduced the number of F-rated campuses from 11 to 2 in the 2025-26 school year.

“A lot of work to do though, a lot more work to do, it’s not the finish line, it’s our starting point,” Spring ISD superintendent Kregg Cuellar
said.

Spring ISD has struggled academically, according to state ratings. Two years ago, the district was rated a D and had 11 F-rated campuses.

In the 2025-26 school year, the district climbed 11 points to a C rating and dropped to two F-rated campuses.”We all worked very hard, especially our students, especially our teachers,” Cuellar said.

Cuellar said the progress began when they pared back the number of curricula the district was using, from over 600 to around 20.

“I personally feel that the new resource that we adopted, specifically in mathematics, really helped bolster math,” Cuellar said.

Cuellar said Spring ISD is now using the state-created Bluebonnet curriculum in math, which he credits for helping Dekaney High School, a formerly F-rated campus, reach a C rating.

Dekaney ISD received an F rating for four consecutive school years, putting the district on the cusp of state intervention eligibility. While the Texas Education Agency has never threatened the district with a takeover, the state can step in once a single campus fails for five consecutive years.

Spring ISD is also expanding a new daily, end-of-class assessment program. Now,at the end of every class, students are quizzed to make sure what they are learning in class is sticking.

“Not really a test where you are graded for it, but it really tells the teacher, and it tells the student in real time that they were able to master that period’s learning. And if a teacher sees that there is an area or opportunity for growth, then they can intervene immediately to provide that child some intervention,” Cuellar said.

This practice is now being used district-wide to catch students before they are left behind.

Cuellar said they are also focusing on making sure school leadership and administrators are in classrooms more to provide coaching and guidance to teachers. TEA data show Spring has a young teacher population, with 41% of teachers having just one to five years of experience.

These are all steps, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said last week, that are inching Spring in the right direction.

“You don’t want to see the state intervene; this is not what we wish to do, but what happened is because we are public about the performance requirements, local governing teams, local school boards, local superintendents, they shift resources around, they focus managerial attention, and they deliver improvements for kids,” Morath said.

Spring ISD also started an optional Saturday school last year. Now, on Saturdays, every Spring ISD campus is partially staffed and open to
students, offering additional instruction, academic support, and extracurricular activities. About 3,000 students use it each week,
according to the district.

“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.”

GMA coming to Houston to celebrate the Texans’ 25th anniversary season

ABC13 Houston
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GMA coming to Houston to celebrate the Texans’ 25th anniversary season

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Good Morning America is heading to Houston on Thursday to cheer on the Houston Texans ahead of their 25th anniversary season.

GMA will be live from Reliant Stadium as part of their “Game Day” series, counting down to Super Bowl LXI on ABC13 in 2027.

GMA is promising a Texas-sized surprise on Thursday. ABC News’ Will Reeve also spoke with Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans about training camp and the upcoming season.

Ryans said, “Being a Texan, to me, it means you get to play and coach and work for a city, a team that’s so passionate about the game. And I do it for our fans and to see how excited they are. That’s one thing I wanted to do. I wanted to bring that passion, bring that fire back to our fan base. And now when I go anywhere, go to the grocery stores or shopping. It’s like everyone’s like, coach, great job. We love to have you back, happy you’re back. And to see the smiles on our fans’ faces, like that’s what being a Texan is all about.”

ABC13 is getting you ready for the Texans’ second preseason game all day on Thursday. You can watch GMA starting at 7 a.m. and ‘Countdown to Kickoff’ at 6:30 p.m. on ABC13.

The Texans’ preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders kicks off at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.”

Five Americans, Telemundo Executive Among Seven Killed in Kenya Helicopter Crash

Que Onda Editorial
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Five Americans, Telemundo Executive Among Seven Killed in Kenya Helicopter Crash

Five Americans were among seven people killed Wednesday when a charter helicopter crashed in northern Kenya. The victims of the Kenya helicopter crash included Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez and Ecuador’s intelligence director.

All six passengers and the pilot died, Kenyan authorities confirmed. Investigators have not determined what caused the aircraft to go down.

Kenya Helicopter Crash Happened During Safari Flight

The helicopter crashed at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time in Samburu County. It was traveling from the Loisaba Conservancy toward the Ewaso Nyiro area.

The aircraft went down near the foothills of Mount Ololokwe. The rugged mountain area is a popular destination for hiking, wildlife viewing and safari tourism.

The helicopter was operating as a private charter and carrying guests connected to a travel company. Two additional helicopters were sent to assist with search and rescue efforts.

Authorities identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter EC130 B4. The helicopter belonged to Lady Lori Helicopters, a Kenya-based charter operator.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has opened an investigation. Officials have not released information about weather, mechanical problems or the aircraft’s final communications.

Telemundo Executive José Suárez Among Victims

José Alberto Suárez, 55, was president and general manager of Telemundo stations serving Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers.

He oversaw news, digital operations, sales, marketing, community affairs and technology. Suárez had about 30 years of experience in local television, including two decades with NBC and Telemundo-owned stations.

His career included leadership positions in Florida, Nevada, California, Utah and Texas. He previously managed Telemundo stations in San Antonio, Las Vegas, Sacramento and Fresno.

Suárez began his career working on air before moving into newsroom and station leadership. Company leaders confirmed his death and extended condolences to his family, colleagues and the communities he served.

His death carries particular significance for Spanish-language media audiences. Suárez spent much of his career expanding local news coverage for Hispanic and Latino communities.

Ecuador Intelligence Director Also Killed

Michele Sensi-Contugi, director of Ecuador’s National Intelligence Center, also died in the crash. Ecuador’s government confirmed his death Wednesday.

Sensi-Contugi was a close associate of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa. He was visiting Kenya as a tourist rather than traveling on official government business.

His wife, Stephany Hollihan, also died. Hollihan held both U.S. and Ecuadorian citizenship, placing her among the five American victims confirmed by the U.S. government.

The couple is survived by two children. Ecuadorian officials extended condolences to their relatives and close associates.

Authorities had not publicly identified every victim as of Wednesday evening. Officials may delay additional names until relatives receive formal notification.

U.S. Officials Provide Consular Assistance

The U.S. government confirmed that five of the seven people killed were American citizens. Embassy officials are coordinating with Kenyan authorities and assisting the victims’ families.

The recovery operation took place in difficult terrain far from Kenya’s largest urban areas. Domestic aircraft commonly transport visitors between remote wildlife preserves, lodges and other tourism destinations.

Investigators will examine the wreckage, flight records, weather conditions and the helicopter’s maintenance history. A preliminary report could provide the first explanation of the flight’s final moments.

The Kenya helicopter crash has affected families across the United States, Ecuador and Kenya. It has also brought mourning to Latino communities familiar with Suárez’s decades of leadership in Spanish-language television.

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