Five U.S. citizens were killed Wednesday when a helicopter went down in northern Kenya, the U.S. State Department confirmed.
The aircraft was carrying seven people when it crashed at about 9 a.m. in a rugged mountainous area near Kirish in Samburu County, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
Among those reported dead was José Suárez, a Telemundo executive who served as president and general manager overseeing several of the network’s stations in Florida.
NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde identified Suárez in a note to employees, NBC News reported.
Helicopters fly over a conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, May 24, 2025. (Wang Guansen/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Lady Lori Helicopters, which operated the helicopter, said it was “deeply saddened” by the crash and offered condolences to the victims’ families and others impacted.
“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 social media statement.
Officials fly by helicopter over a national park in Kenya Jan. 16, 2024. (Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images)
According to the operator, the aircraft was on a charter flight from Suyian Conservancy, a 44,000-acre private wildlife refuge, to Ololokwe when it crashed near Mount Ololokwe.
Officials said the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC130 B4, and Lady Lori said it was registered as 5Y-GYM.
The cause of the accident has not yet been determined and is subject to investigation by the relevant authorities, the operator said.
The U.S. Embassy is in contact with local authorities and is providing consular assistance.
A mountainous region rises beyond fields of crops near Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya, Sept. 26, 2023. (Ed Ram/Getty Images)
“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,” the State Department said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss.”
