Five Americans were killed Wednesday when a charter helicopter crashed in a mountainous region of northern Kenya, with a prominent Telemundo executive reportedly among the victims.
The helicopter went down at approximately 9 a.m. near Kirish in Samburu County, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. Seven people were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
The US State Department confirmed that five American citizens were killed.
Among the victims was reportedly José Suárez, a longtime NBCUniversal executive who served as president and general manager overseeing multiple Telemundo television stations in Florida.
NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde confirmed Suárez’s death to employees, according to NBC News.
The aircraft was operated by Lady Lori Helicopters and was traveling from Suyian Conservancy to Ololokwe when it crashed near Mount Ololokwe.
Suyian Conservancy is a roughly 44,000-acre private wildlife conservancy in northern Kenya. Helicopters and other aircraft are frequently used to transport visitors across the remote region.
The helicopter involved in the deadly crash was identified as a Eurocopter EC130 B4 registered as 5Y-GYM.
Lady Lori Helicopters released a statement expressing its condolences following the tragedy.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident,” the company said.
The cause of the crash has not been determined.
Lady Lori said authorities will investigate the accident, with investigators expected to examine several potential factors, including the condition of the aircraft, weather and flight operations, per Trending Politics.
Officials have not publicly identified all of the victims.
The US Embassy is working alongside Kenyan authorities and providing consular assistance to the families of the Americans killed in the crash, according to the State Department.
“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,” the department said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss.”
Suárez’s reported death is particularly significant in Florida, where he had established a lengthy career in Spanish-language television.
As president and general manager, Suárez held a senior leadership position overseeing Telemundo stations in the state.
His death was communicated internally to NBCUniversal employees by Conde following the crash.
The accident occurred in a rugged area of Kenya known for wildlife tourism and private conservancies. The remote terrain means aircraft are commonly used to move travelers between destinations that can otherwise be difficult to access.
Authorities have not indicated whether weather, mechanical failure or another factor may have contributed to Wednesday’s crash.
Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage and other evidence as they attempt to determine exactly what happened in the moments before the helicopter went down.
The identities of the other Americans killed have not yet been publicly released.
Officials have also not provided a timeline for when investigators could release preliminary findings about the cause of the crash.
For now, the investigation remains underway as authorities work to determine what caused the charter helicopter carrying seven people to crash in northern Kenya.
