- Ecuadorian fashion designer Stephany Hollihan, founder and creative director of Sensi Studio, and Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez were among seven people killed in a helicopter crash in Kenya on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
- The crash occurred in Samburu County in northern Kenya, near the foothills of Mount Ololokwe, at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time. All six passengers and the pilot died; no survivors were confirmed.
- Rescue efforts included the Kenya Red Cross participating in a multiagency response and Tropic Air Kenya dispatching two helicopters. Authorities later confirmed there were no survivors.
- Kenyan aviation authorities launched an investigation; no cause had been determined as of August 20.
- Hollihan's husband, Michele Sensi-Contugi, director general of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center and close associate of President Daniel Noboa, was also killed. Ecuador's government confirmed his death and extended condolences.
- José Alberto Suárez, 55, was president and general manager of Telemundo 31 Orlando, Telemundo 49 Tampa, and Telemundo Ft. Myers-Naples, with about 25 years in television. NBCUniversal executives remembered him as "an exceptional colleague who cared deeply about his teams".
Ecuadorian fashion designer Stephany Hollihan and Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez were among seven fatalities in a helicopter crash in Kenya on August 19, 2026. The crash occurred in Samburu County, an area known for its rugged landscape and safari tourism.12391011
The helicopter, operated by Lady Lori Helicopters, was en route from the Loisaba wildlife conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area when it went down at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time. All six passengers and the pilot were killed, prompting an investigation by Kenyan aviation authorities to determine the cause of the accident.
Hollihan, the founder of Sensi Studio, was recognized for her role in promoting Ecuadorian craftsmanship globally. She launched her brand in 2010, focusing on luxury accessories and later expanding into clothing. In a 2014 interview with *Vogue*, she described her brand's essence as being about “summery, beachy vibes.”
Her husband, Michele Sensi-Contugi, director general of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center, was also among the deceased. The Ecuadorian government expressed condolences, stating, “In this moment of deep sorrow, the government extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and close associates.”78
Suárez, 55, was a prominent figure in television, having spent 25 years in the industry and held leadership roles at various Telemundo and NBC stations. His colleagues remembered him as “an exceptional colleague who cared deeply about his teams.”
“The crash occurred in Samburu County near Mount Ololokwe, with the helicopter operated by Lady Lori Helicopters carrying guests of &Beyond. Hollihan's husband, Michele Sensi-Contugi, director general of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center, also died, prompting condolences from President Daniel Noboa's office.”
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