Five Americans are dead following a helicopter crash in a remote area of northern Kenya, the U.S. State Department confirmed in a statement to NBC News on Wednesday.
There were seven people on board when the aircraft crashed in the foothills of Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County at 9:13 a.m. local time, according to Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority. The six passengers and pilot were all killed in the crash, local police said Wednesday.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed the deaths of five Americans as a result of the crash, saying the U.S. Embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular assistance.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss,” the spokesperson said.
Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority identified Lady Lori Kenya as the helicopter operator.
Lady Lori Kenya confirmed its aircraft was involved in the crash, saying in a statement on social media that it was operating a charter flight from Suyian Conservancy to Mount Ololokwe.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident,” the company said, adding it was fully cooperating with authorities in the investigation of the crash.
Kenya’s Red Cross said its search and recovery efforts were impeded by the difficult terrain and a fire at the site of the crash. An additional crew was been dispatched from Isiolo to reinforce the operation, it added in a statement posted to X.
Video footage verified by NBC News showed the crash wreckage with parts of the aircraft strewn across the foothills. Some parts appeared to be still burning as the video was recorded.
José Suárez, the president and general manager of multiple Telemundo-owned stations in Florida, was among the dead. He was identified in a message to employees by NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde. NBCUniversal is the parent company of NBC News.
Suárez, 55, worked in multiple roles across NBCUniversal for nearly 20 years, including leading stations in San Antonio, Sacramento, Fresno, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
“José was an exceptional colleague and mentor to many. He cared deeply about his teams, the communities they served and the essential role our stations play in people’s lives,” the statement said. “He brought energy, humor, warmth and a strong sense of purpose to his work, and his impact was felt far beyond the stations he led.”
Ecuador’s National Assembly confirmed in a statement that Michele Sensi-Contugi Ycaza, the country’s director general of the national intelligence center, and his wife Stephany Hollihan Vásconez died in the crash.
The flag will be flown at half-staff at parliament for three days as the country mourns.
“In the face of this irreparable loss, we express our profound solidarity and support to their family, friends, and loved ones during this time of deep sorrow,” the statement said.
Miami restaurateur Roger Edward Duarte was also among the crash victims, according to a statement from his family. Duarte, 39, was the founder and owner of a stone crab home delivery company called George Stone Crab.
“The magnitude of this tragedy is impossible to comprehend, and there are no words to express the depth of our pain,” the family said. “We ask that you keep them all and everyone who loved them in your prayer.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
