5 Americans among 7 killed in Kenya helicopter crash
Five Americans, including a Telemundo executive, were among seven people killed when a helicopter crashed in northern Kenya, according to authorities and local media. The crash also killed an Ecuadorian security official.
The crash happened at about 9:13 a.m. Wednesday near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County. Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority said the Eurocopter EC130 B4 helicopter, registered 5Y-GYM, had departed from Loisaba and was heading to Ewasonyiro when it crashed.
Responding officers saw thick smoke rising from the area before reaching the wreckage. No survivors were found at the crash site.
José Alberto Suárez, 55, president and general manager of Telemundo 31, Telemundo 49 and Telemundo Fort Myers-Naples, was killed in the crash, according to WTVJ. Suárez had more than 25 years of experience in media and previously led several other Telemundo stations.
Ecuadorian outlet El Comercio reported that Michele Sensi-Contugi, director-general of Ecuador’s Center for Strategic Intelligence, died alongside his wife, Stephany Hollihan Vasconez.
The pilot was identified as Josh Outran. Other victims included Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty and Henry Parra.
Kenya’s Air Accident Investigation Department is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
