A helicopter crash in northern Kenya on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of five Americans, according to the U.S. State Department. The crash occurred around 9 a.m. in a mountainous area near Kirish in Samburu County. Seven people were on board when the accident took place, as confirmed by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
The victims included José Suárez, a Telemundo executive who led several stations in Florida as president and general manager. NBCUniversal News Group Chairman, Cesar Conde, identified Suárez in a message to employees, NBC News reported.
Lady Lori Helicopters, the company operating the aircraft, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. The company’s statement on social media conveyed sympathy to the guests, crew, and families affected by the crash.
The helicopter was on a charter flight starting from Suyian Conservancy, spanning 44,000 acres of private wildlife refuge, and was heading to Ololokwe. It crashed near Mount Ololokwe. The involved aircraft was a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registered as 5Y-GYM, as per the operator. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by authorities.
The U.S. Embassy is actively working with local authorities to offer consular assistance. A view of a mountainous region rising beyond fields near Mount Kenya National Park emphasizes the challenging terrain.
In a statement, the State Department highlighted that American safety and security is a top priority. They extended condolences to the families affected by this unfortunate event.
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