Ecuador Intelligence Chief, Five Americans Killed in Kenya Helicopter Crash

SAMBURU COUNTY, Kenya —

A helicopter carrying tourists on a sightseeing flight crashed Wednesday morning in a remote part of northern Kenya, killing all seven people aboard, including Ecuador's intelligence chief and five Americans, officials said.

The Eurocopter EC130 B4 went down around 9:13 a.m. local time near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu county, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. The aircraft was flying from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area, a river that runs through several national reserves, the aviation authority said in a statement, adding that an investigation is underway. David Nkoroi, the police commander for Samburu county, told reporters late Wednesday that all seven people on board, six passengers and the pilot, had died.

The US State Department said five of those killed were American citizens. "The US embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular assistance," the department said in a statement, extending condolences to the families of the dead.

Among those killed were Michele Sensi-Contugi, 44, director of Ecuador's Center of Strategic Intelligence, and his wife, fashion designer Stephany Hollihan, 42, who held both American and Ecuadorian citizenship, according to the BBC. President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador appointed Sensi-Contugi to lead the intelligence agency in January 2024 after he spent four months as a minister in Noboa's cabinet, the BBC reported. Ecuador's presidency called him a close ally of Noboa's and posted condolences on X, according to The Guardian. The couple are survived by two children, The Guardian reported. Noboa declared three days of national mourning starting Thursday.

Also killed was José Alberto Suárez, an NBCUniversal executive who served as president and general manager of several Telemundo stations in Florida, according to a company memo cited by the BBC. NBCUniversal and Telemundo leadership called him "a deeply respected leader and beloved friend and colleague," according to the BBC. A Miami restaurateur, Roger Duarte, was also among the Americans killed, according to local and national media cited by the BBC. US Representative Carlos Gimenez wrote on social media that "our prayers are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time." The remaining victims had not been publicly identified as of Wednesday.

Charter Flight In Tourist Region

The helicopter was owned by Lady Lori Helicopters and was carrying guests of the travel company +Beyond on a charter flight, according to The Guardian. Lady Lori Helicopters said in a statement it was "deeply saddened" by the crash and extended sympathies to the guests, crew and their families. Tropic Air Kenya, another local safari operator, said it sent two helicopters to assist with search and rescue efforts, The Guardian reported. Samburu county, known for its wildlife conservancies and rugged scenery, is a popular stop for tourists visiting Kenya.

A Pattern Of Crashes

Kenya has recorded several fatal helicopter crashes in recent years. In February, a crash in Nandi county killed six people, including a member of parliament, the BBC reported. In 2024, Kenya's military chief, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, died when an army helicopter carrying 11 people went down in western Kenya, with only two survivors. In June 2021, at least 10 soldiers were killed when a helicopter crashed while landing near Nairobi, the capital, according to the BBC.