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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.