Five Americans and Ecuador intelligence chief killed in Kenya helicopter crash

A tourist helicopter crash in Kenya on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, tragically killed all seven people on board, including five Americans and Ecuador's intelligence chief, Michele Sensi-Contugi. The helicopter, identified as a Eurocopter EC130 B4 operated by Lady Lori Helicopters, crashed in Samburu County in northern Kenya while on a scenic flight from Loisaba Conservancy.

Among the victims were Ecuador's Director General of the National Intelligence Centre, Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan. The U.S. State Department confirmed the deaths of the five American citizens, one of whom was identified as Jose Alberto Suarez, a senior manager for Telemundo stations in Florida.

Authorities, including the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. The crash occurred in a remote and rugged area, hampering initial search and recovery efforts.