Seven people, including five Americans, were killed when the helicopter they were flying in crashed in a remote part of northern Kenya Wednesday, according to local police and U.S. State Department.
The aircraft crashed at 9:13 a.m. while flying from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area in Samburu County, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, which said in a statement that an investigation was underway.
The helicopter crashed in a rugged area in the foothills of Mount Ololokwe, a popular tourist destination in the country, local media reported. The helicopter, owned by local company Lady Lori Helicopters, was carrying guests with travel company &Beyond. Lady Lori Helicopters said in a statement that the aircraft was operating a charter flight when it crashed.
Here’s what we know about the victims, some of whom have ties to Miami.
José Alberto Suárez
Journalist José Alberto Suárez, 55, the president and general manager of Telemundo 31, Telemundo 49, and Telemundo Ft. Myers–Naples, was one of five Americans killed in the crash.
The seasoned Florida-born journalist was known as a visionary leader committed to expanding and growing Telemundo’s markets, having spent 18 years with Telemundo and NBC stations.
Before his station leadership roles, he spent nearly four years at NBC Miami as director of creative services and programming. During his time in Miami, he also served as executive producer of non-news programming and specials, including daily entertainment shows.
In a statement, NBCU Newsgroup Chairman Cesar Conde, NBCU Local Chairman Valari Staab, and Telemundo Station Group President Jose Cancela, expressed:
“We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that José was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya. José was an exceptional colleague who cared deeply about his teams, the communities they served and the important 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. Our hearts are with his loved ones, and with all of José’s colleagues and friends who are grieving this terrible loss.”
For more on his life and legacy, go here.
Roger Duarte
Roger Duarte, 39, was the father of one boy and husband of Nicole Valls, the granddaughter of the founder of Miami staples such as Versailles and La Carreta.
Duarte founded and owned George Stone Crab, a stone crab home delivery company, according to the business’ website and his Instagram account. He was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2016.
He and his wife welcomed their second child in November 2024, according to Instagram accounts.
Duarte is survived by his wife, the vice president of operations of Valls Group, which encompasses over 30 establishments including Versailles, La Carreta, Casa Juancho, MesaMar, and Casa Cuba.
Vall’s grandfather was Versailles founder Felipe A. Valls Sr., who is credited with creating Miami’s emblematic “ventanita” concept, a walk-up window serving Cuban coffee and pastries.
“The Duarte and Valls families are devastated and heartbroken by the tragic helicopter accident in Kenya that claimed the lives of our beloved Roger Edward Duarte, our dear friends Jose Suarez, Adam Hlavaty, Henry Parra, Michele Sensi-Contugi, and Stephany Holliham Yeaza, as well as Josh Outram, the helicopter’s pilot. The magnitude of this tragedy is impossible to comprehend, and there are no words to express the depth of our pain. We ask that you keep them all and everyone who loved them in your prayers. We respectfully request privacy as our families grieve this unimaginable loss,” the family said in a statement.
Michele Sensi-Contugi and Stephany Hollihan Yeaza
Michele Sensi-Contugi was the director of the Ecuadorian National Intelligence Center.
Ecuadorian media outlets describe him as Italian-Ecuadorian businessman and public official who served as the Minister of Government in 2024 and was in President Daniel Noboa’s inner circle.
His wife, Stephany Hollihan de Sensi-Contugi, is founder of fashion brand Sensi Studio, set on “elevating Ecuadorean craftsmanship around the world,” according to her Instagram account.
In a January interview with Harper’s Bazaar Ecuador, she said that before she moved back to Ecuador, she worked as a creative development assistant at Bottega Veneta in Miami.
El Gobierno Nacional expresa sus más sentidas condolencias ante el sensible fallecimiento de Michele Sensi-Contugi y su esposa Stephany Hollihan. Paz en su tumba. pic.twitter.com/mtqweqYOBM
— Presidencia Ecuador 🇪🇨 (@Presidencia_Ec) August 19, 2026
Adam Hlavaty
Adam Hlavaty is identified online as the co-founder of Mrkt Group, a real estate development and branded design company focusing on residential and commercial projects.
His biography states that he previously served as the vice president of real estate, construction and facilities for Pollo Tropical and vice president of development for Benihana, Inc.
He is on the board of the Coral Gables Art Museum and helped bring its annual gala to life back in March, according to a local magazine.
Henry Parra
Henry Parra is identified as an aviation software executive from Miami who also served in the US Navy.
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