Kenyan authorities confirmed that a Eurocopter EC130 B4 crashed on August 19 while flying from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area in Samburu County. The accident occurred at 9:13 a.m. in the foothills of Mount Ololokwe, a popular tourist destination.
The charter flight, operated by Lady Lori Helicopters for travel company &Beyond, was carrying a small group of guests when the aircraft went down. Search and rescue teams from the Kenya Red Cross, Tropic Air Kenya, and additional responders from Isiolo are working to locate the wreckage, but rugged terrain and an active fire at the site have hampered efforts.
American victims
Five of the seven people killed were United States citizens, according to local police and the U.S. State Department. Initial reports listed four American deaths, but officials later confirmed the higher figure.
Among the deceased was José Alberto Suárez, who served as president and general manager of Telemundo Orlando, Telemundo Tampa, and Telemundo Fort Myers‑Naples. NBCUniversal News Group issued a statement expressing deep sorrow, noting Suárez’s dedication to his teams, the communities they served, and the broader impact of the stations he led.
Other notable victims
The crash also claimed the lives of Michele Sensi‑Contugi, director general of Ecuador’s national intelligence center, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, as reported by the Ecuadorian president’s office.
U.S. response
The U.S. State Department said it is in contact with Kenyan authorities and that the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi is providing consular assistance to the families of the American victims. A spokesperson declined to comment further, citing privacy concerns.
Investigation and safety concerns
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority announced that an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Helicopter accidents have become more frequent in Kenya, a country whose tourism industry relies heavily on aerial transport to reach remote attractions such as Mount Ololokwe.
In February, a separate helicopter crash in western Kenya killed a legislator and five others, underscoring ongoing safety challenges for the sector.
Ongoing rescue efforts
Rescue teams continue to work in difficult conditions, with the Kenya Red Cross describing a multi‑agency response effort. Tropic Air Kenya dispatched two of its own helicopters to aid the operation, while additional personnel have been sent from nearby Isiolo to reinforce the search.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
