A Telemundo executive was one of five Americans who died aboard a sightseeing helicopter that crashed in Kenya on Wednesday.
The State Department confirmed the number of dead American citizens. The pilot and another passenger were killed in the helicopter crash, bringing the death toll to seven people.
Jose Alberto Suarez, president and general manager of Telemundo’s television stations in three Florida cities, died at age 55. His death was confirmed in a memo sent to employees by the NBCUniversal News Group, NBCUniversal Local, and Telemundo Station Group.
“We are heartbroken to share the tragic news that Jose Suarez, the president and general manager of the Telemundo-owned stations in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers, was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya. José was a deeply respected leader and beloved friend and colleague across NBCU Local and NBCU News Group,” the memo said.
“Jose was an exceptional colleague and mentor to many,” it added. “He cared deeply about his teams, the communities they served and the essential role our stations play in people’s lives. He brought energy, humor, warmth and a strong sense of purpose to his work, and his impact was felt far beyond the stations he led.”
Suarez worked for NBCUniversal in multiple roles at the corporation’s television stations over the past 20 years.
He received several awards for his work, including a Lone Star Emmy for overall excellence in 2019 when he was president and general manager of a Telemundo-owned station in San Antonio, Texas.
“The suddenness and circumstances of Jose’s passing make this loss especially difficult to comprehend,” the memo said. “Our hearts are with his loved ones, and with all of Jose’s colleagues and friends across NBCUniversal who are grieving this terrible loss. We will share more about how we will honor José’s life and legacy in the days ahead.”
Miami food entrepreneur Roger Duarte was one of the identified victims. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) extended his “deepest condolences” in a message to his wife and family. Duarte was the founder and owner of George Stone Crab and a Forbes 30 Under 30 CEO in 2016.
Ecuador’s government shared that Michele Sensi-Contugi, director-general of the Ecuadorian Strategic Intelligence Center, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, were among the dead passengers.
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The helicopter crash occurred around 9:13 a.m. local time Wednesday near Mount Ololokwe, according to Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority. The state agency identified Lady Lori Helicopters as the operator of that flight. The aircraft rental service said the charter flight took off from Suyian Conservancy to Mount Ololokwe.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident,” the company said in a statement. “The cause of the accident has not yet been determined and is subject to investigation by the relevant authorities. Lady Lori Helicopters is cooperating fully with the authorities, and further information will be communicated when appropriate.”