Kenyan media mourns Telemundo Executive killed in Mt Ololokwe helicopter crash

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Kenyan media mourns Telemundo Executive killed in Mt Ololokwe helicopter crash

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In a press release signed by MOA Chairperson Agnes Kalekye, the association extended sympathies to Suárez’s family, his colleagues, and the families of all seven victims who perished in the accident, paying tribute to Suárez’s extensive career and his indirect impact on the Kenyan media landscape.

"A media executive for more than two decades at Telemundo and NBC-owned stations, his influence went far beyond the United States," the statement read.

"Many of our member stations have carried Telemundo's content over the years, bringing the shows he helped bring to life into Kenyan homes. In that way, his work built a quiet bridge between our media worlds."

Expressing solidarity with Suárez’s colleagues at NBCUniversal and Telemundo, the MOA acknowledged the profound sorrow surrounding the sudden tragedy.

"Our thoughts are also with the families of everyone who died in this accident. We cannot imagine the weight of this sudden loss," Kalekye stated. "We stand with the bereaved families, with Suárez's colleagues at NBCUniversal and Telemundo, and with all who are grieving. May they all rest in peace."

Suárez was among seven people who lost their lives on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, when the helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe.

He served as the president and general manager of Telemundo 33 Sacramento and Telemundo 51 Fresno from April 2019 until February 2024, when he went back to his home state of Florida to manage the Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers stations.

"José Alberto Suárez was a visionary, someone who united people, a mentor and a tireless advocate for our Latino community,” Telemundo's Sacramento and Fresno stations said in a joint statement. “José had an extraordinary capacity to bring people together, not simply around an event or an initiative, but around a shared conviction: that when we work together, we can strengthen our communities."

Some of his career accolades include receiving a Lone Star Emmy, a Suncoast Emmy, three Best Daily Newscast Emmys, as well as several Associated Press awards.

Reporting originally appeared via Citizen Digital. Read the full source for additional context.