A helicopter crash in Kenya on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of five American citizens. The State Department confirmed the fatalities, which included the pilot and another passenger, bringing the total number of deceased to seven.
Jose Alberto Suarez, aged 55, was the president and general manager of Telemundo’s television stations in Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers, Florida. His death was confirmed in a memo sent to employees by NBCUniversal News Group, NBCUniversal Local, and Telemundo Station Group.
The memo stated, "We are heartbroken to share the tragic news that Jose Suarez... was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya. José was a deeply respected leader and beloved friend and colleague across NBCU Local and NBCU News Group."
Suarez had worked for NBCUniversal for over 20 years and received several awards for his work, including a Lone Star Emmy for overall excellence in 2019.
Miami food entrepreneur Roger Duarte was also identified among the victims. Representative Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) expressed his condolences to Duarte's family. Duarte was known as the founder and owner of George Stone Crab and was recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 CEO in 2016.
Ecuador’s government confirmed that Michele Sensi-Contugi, director-general of the Ecuadorian Strategic Intelligence Center, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, were also among the deceased.
The crash occurred at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time near Mount Ololokwe. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority identified Lady Lori Helicopters as the operator of the flight, which had taken off from Suyian Conservancy. The company stated that the cause of the accident is under investigation and that they are cooperating with authorities.