A helicopter crash in a remote part of northern Kenya on Wednesday morning has resulted in the deaths of seven people, including five Americans. The incident occurred at 9:13 am while the helicopter was flying from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area in Samburu county, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
Among the victims were José Suárez, 55, president and general manager of several Telemundo stations in Florida, and Michele Sensi-Contugi, director of Ecuador’s national intelligence service. Suárez’s death was confirmed by NBC Universal and Telemundo leadership, who expressed their heartbreak over the tragic news. Sensi-Contugi was visiting Kenya as a tourist with his wife, Stephany Hollihan Vasconez, who also died in the crash and held both US and Ecuadorian citizenship.
The helicopter, owned by local company Lady Lori Helicopters, was carrying guests with the travel company +Beyond when it crashed in a rugged area in the foothills of Mount Ololokwe, a popular tourist destination. Lady Lori Helicopters stated that the aircraft was operating a charter flight when it crashed. The US embassy is providing consular assistance to the families of the victims and has extended its deepest condolences to those affected.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation into the incident, which involved a Eurocopter EC130 B4 aircraft. Tropic Air Kenya, a local safari operator, dispatched two helicopters to aid search and rescue operations. The incident highlights concerns over the safety of Kenya’s aviation industry, which has experienced several helicopter crashes in recent years, including one in February that resulted in the deaths of six people, including a legislator.
The government of Ecuador has expressed its condolences to the family of Sensi-Contugi, who is survived by his two children. The US state department has also confirmed the deaths of the five American citizens and is providing assistance to their families.
