Five Americans killed in Kenya helicopter crash

Five Americans were among the seven people killed in a helicopter crash Wednesday in a remote area of northern Kenya. 

All six passengers and the pilot died when the aircraft crashed in the foothills of Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County. The aircraft was operated by Lady Lori Kenya, though the identities of the passengers and pilot were not immediately released.

The State Department confirmed the American death toll to NBC News. The Department further stated that the U.S. Embassy is in touch with local authorities and providing consular assistance.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss,” a State Department spokesperson said.

The charter flight was transporting the passengers from Suyian Conservancy to Mount Ololokwe at the time of the incident.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident,” Lady Lori Kenya said in an Instagram post, adding it was fully cooperating with authorities in the investigation.

NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde told employees at NBC that José Suárez, the president and general manager of multiple Telemundo-owned stations in Florida, was among those killed in the crash.

“José was an exceptional colleague and mentor to many. He cared deeply about his teams, the communities they served and the essential role our stations play in people’s lives,” the statement said. “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.”

Ecuador's Director General of the National Intelligence Center, Michele Sensi-Contugi Ycaza, and his wife were also killed.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.