Five Americans were among seven people killed when a helicopter crashed while carrying tourists on a safari in northern Kenya on Aug. 19.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said that Ecuador’s intelligence chief and his wife also died in the crash.
The helicopter, chartered by the luxury safari and African tour operator &Beyond Travel, was flying near Kirish, close to Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, Kenya, when it went down, according to authorities.
The State Department said five of those killed were U.S. citizens.
“The U.S. Embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular assistance,” it said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss.”
NBC Universal identified journalist José Alberto Suárez, 55, president and general manager of three Spanish-language Telemundo stations in Florida, among those killed in the crash.
“We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that José was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya. José was an exceptional colleague who cared deeply about his teams, the communities they served and the important role our stations play in people’s lives,” the NBC affiliate in Miami stated.
Kenyan authorities also identified the pilot as Josh Outram, director of African Heli Adventures, and passengers as Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Henry Parra, and Susan Suarez, according to Kenyan publication Tuko News.
Duarte, 42, was a husband and father and a celebrated seafood entrepreneur who owned George Stone Crab in Miami.
U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) said he and his wife were “heartbroken” by the news of Duarte’s death.
“Our prayers are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. May their memories be a blessing,” the congressman posted on X.
Ecuador’s national government confirmed Michele Sensi-Contugi Ycaza, 44, director of Ecuador’s Strategic Intelligence Center and former minister of government, had died in the crash with his wife, designer Stephany Hollihan Vásconez, founder of Sense Studio, who was a dual Ecuadorian and U.S. citizen.
“The National Government expresses its most heartfelt condolences over the sensitive passing of Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife Stephany Hollihan. Peace to their graves,” the Ecuadorian government said in a statement.
Map shows general location of a helicopter crash in the Mount Ololokwe foothills of Kenya. AP Digital Embed
Police and emergency responders reached the crash site near the base of Mount Ololokwe after the accident.
The cause of the accident has not yet been determined. Authorities are on scene and continuing to investigate.
The Eurocopter EC130 B4 was operated by Lady Lori Kenya Ltd., a luxury charter company out of Nairobi that offers aerial adventures and high-end tours to remote wildlife conservancies and regions in East Africa.
The company acknowledged the accident on social media and sent condolences to the families and loved ones.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident,” Lady Lori Helicopters posted on Instagram.
&Beyond Travel did not return a request for information about the identities of those on board the helicopter and had not yet made a public statement about the accident.
The Kenya Red Cross was assisting in the search and recovery efforts but said the difficult terrain and access to the site were hampering the process.
An active fire at the crash site had also hindered efforts, according to the organization.
