7 dead in Kenya helicopter crash in luxury safari area; victims include Telemundo exec, Ecuadorian intelligence chief

Seven people, including Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez and Ecuadorian intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi, died in a helicopter crash on Mount Ololokwe in Kenya. The crash, involving a Eurocopter EC130 B4, occurred at 9:13 a.m. local time and is under investigation.

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Seven people, including five Americans, were killed when a tourist helicopter crashed into Kenya’s Mount Ololokwe on a luxury safari tour. The victims included Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez and Ecuadorian intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi along with his wife, Stephany Hollihan, and others.¹²

The crash occurred at 9:13 a.m. local time and involved a Eurocopter EC130 B4 operated by Lady Lori Helicopters, which was transporting guests from the luxury safari company AndBeyond. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

Witnesses reported that the helicopter was seen circling the mountain, which is known for its breathtaking views of wildlife, before it tragically crashed. Samuel Kampala, a local guide, described the incident, stating, “Within 30 minutes, the helicopter hit the side of the mountain, a big rock, and then it tried coming to the other side and within 30 minutes it started going down.”³⁴

Mount Ololokwe, also known as Sapashe by the local Samburu community, is considered sacred and is a popular destination for tourists seeking luxury accommodations and safari experiences. The area is known for its vast landscapes, making charter flights a common mode of transport.

Key Insight

“The crash killed Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez, Ecuadorian intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife, and Miami restaurateur Roger Duarte, among others. A Saruni Basecamp guide, Samuel Kampala, witnessed the helicopter hit the mountain and then go down within 30 minutes.”