Seven People Die After Tourist Helicopter Crashes Near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County
A tourist helicopter crash in northern Kenya has claimed the lives of seven people, including five Americans, a senior Telemundo executive and Ecuador’s intelligence chief, Michele Sensi-Contugi.
The helicopter crashed on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in the rugged area near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, while travelling from Loisaba Conservancy towards the Ewaso Nyiro area. Kenyan aviation authorities said six passengers and a pilot were on board, and all seven people died in the incident.
Among the victims was 55-year-old José Alberto Suárez, a veteran television executive who served as president and general manager of Telemundo stations in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers-Naples, Florida. NBCUniversal confirmed his death and described him as an exceptional colleague and mentor.
Also killed were Ecuador’s intelligence chief, Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan. Sensi-Contugi had served as head of Ecuador’s National Intelligence Center since 2024 and was appointed to the position by President Daniel Noboa.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that five Americans were among those who died in the crash. Other reports identified Miami businessman Roger Edward Duarte among the victims.
The aircraft, operated by Lady Lori Helicopters, was carrying guests associated with the luxury safari company &Beyond. It went down at about 9:13 a.m. local time in a remote and mountainous area near Mount Ololokwe. Rescue and recovery operations were reportedly complicated by the difficult terrain and fire at the crash site.
Kenyan aviation authorities have commenced an investigation into the crash. The cause of the accident has not yet been established, while authorities and officials from the affected countries continue to assist with the recovery process and support for the victims’ families.
The tragedy has attracted international attention because of the high-profile nature of several of the victims, including the Telemundo executive and Ecuador’s top intelligence official.
Abuja Affairs will continue to bring you updates as more details emerge from the ongoing investigation.
