The Mountain Journal
Ecuador’s intelligence chief and his wife have been killed in a helicopter crash in Kenya.
Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife Stephany Hollihan were among the seven people killed when the accident happened in Samburu county ON 09:13 on Wednesday.
The other five victims were Americans, a US State Department spokesperson said.
The victims have been identified as pilot Josh Outram and passengers Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi, and Suian Suarez, the only woman among those on board.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the helicopter was on a scenic flight from a wildlife conservancy in Loisaba to Ewaso Nyiro, a river that flows along several national reserves.
Samburu county is a popular tourist destination with many private wildlife conservancies and is renowned for its stunning landscape.
Images from the scene show smoke at the wooded crash site on Mount Ololokwe, as members of the Kenya Red Cross approach the still-burning wreckage.
Ecuador has not given details about the death of Sensi-Contugi, 44, who was named director general of the Strategic Intelligence Center in 2024.
he president’s office led tributes on behalf of the government to express sadness over the death of the intelligence chief.
Former President of Ecuador Guillermo Lasso mentioned he had died in the helicopter crash.
Lady Lori Helicopters, which operated the the Eurocopter EC130 B4 aircraft, said it was “deeply saddened” by the accident.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident,” a statement read.
According to a memo seen by the BBC’s US partner CBS News one of the Americans killed in the crash was NBCUniversal journalist José Alberto Suárez.
In the memo, NBCUniversal called Suárez “a deeply respected leader and beloved friend and colleague.
“José was an exceptional colleague and mentor to many,” the memo read.
Miami restaurateur Roger Duarte was among the Americans killed in the crash, according to local and US media.
