Eucador grieves: 5 photos, details of intelligence boss and wife who perished
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Michele Sensi-Contugi, Director General of Ecuador's National Intelligence Centre, and his wife were aboard a tourist helicopter that crashed in Samburu County
- The Eurocopter EC130 B4 operated by Lady Lori Helicopters went down near Mt Ololokwe on Wednesday, August 19, killing all seven people on board
- Ecuador's National Assembly ordered its flag to fly at half-mast for three days as condolences poured in from government officials and close friends of the couple
Seven people lost their lives on Wednesday, 19 August when a tourist helicopter crashed near Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County, northern Kenya.
Among those killed were Michele Sensi-Contugi, Ecuador's intelligence chief, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan Vásconez, in a tragedy that has drawn grief from governments across three continents.
The Eurocopter EC130 B4, registered 5Y-GYM and operated by Lady Lori Helicopters, went down at approximately 9:13am while flying from Loisaba Conservancy towards the Ewaso Nyiro area.
The aircraft was carrying six passengers and a Kenyan pilot, all of whom perished. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed there were no survivors and has since opened a formal investigation into the cause of the crash.
Who was Michele Sensi-Contugi?
Sensi-Contugi served as Director General of Ecuador's Centre for Strategic Intelligence (CIES), an agency now known as the National Intelligence Centre.
President Daniel Noboa appointed him to the role in January 2024, and he remained a trusted figure within the Ecuadorian administration throughout his tenure.
Born in Italy on 12 August 1982 to an Italian father and Ecuadorian mother, Sensi-Contugi built his career as an entrepreneur before moving into public service.
Between April and August 2024, he also held the position of Ecuador's Minister of Government before returning to his intelligence duties.
Ecuadorian media widely described him as a close friend, political ally and campaign financier of President Noboa.
His wife, Stephany Hollihan Vásconez, was a fashion designer and entrepreneur based in Guayaquil, where she founded Sensi Studio, a fashion and accessories label.
The two had been married since May 2008 and collaborated on several business ventures together. They are survived by their two kids according to The Guardian.
Hollihan was also part of the social circle around Ecuador's first family; El Universo reported that she counted First Lady Lavinia Valbonesi among her friends and had been chosen as a godparent to one of President Noboa's younger sons.
Crash site and other victims
The remote, mountainous terrain around Mt Ololokwe complicated the emergency response significantly.
A fire broke out at the crash site, and rescue teams faced a difficult journey through rugged Samburu County to reach the wreckage.
The other passengers aboard were connected to luxury safari operator &Beyond. José Alberto Suárez, a senior executive at Telemundo, was also among those who died, alongside several American nationals.
The United States State Department confirmed that five Americans perished in the crash and said the US Embassy in Kenya was assisting families with the response.
Ecuador's National Assembly announced that the country's flag would be lowered to half-mast for three days in honour of Sensi-Contugi and Hollihan.
Messages of condolence have since reached the couple's children and relatives, as well as President Noboa and the first lady, whom officials described as particularly close to the family.
Who died in the Samburu crash?
We shared further details about the tragic helicopter accident that claimed the lives of television executive and seafood entrepreneur Roger Duarte, along with five others.
This devastating incident not only took two prominent Miami figures from their families but also left an indelible mark on the communities they impacted across continents, highlighting the fragility of life in pursuit of adventure.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.