NTV Kenya: Five Americans, Ecuador intelligence chief killed in Samburu chopper crash

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

Watch Now

Five Americans, Ecuador intelligence chief killed in Samburu chopper crash

The seven people who died in a helicopter crash on Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County included a Kenyan, five Americans and an Ecuadorian.

The deceased include the Kenyan pilot and director of African Heli Adventures, Josh Outram, as well as Ecuador’s intelligence chief, Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan Yeaza, who held Ecuadorian and American citizenship.

According to the American media outlet NBC 6, most of the victims had links to Miami, Florida, where they were corporate executives or business leaders.

Among the dead is José Alberto Suárez, the president and general manager of Spanish TV stations Telemundo 31, Telemundo 49 and Telemundo Ft. Myers–Naples.

Others are Roger Duarte the founder of George Stone Crab, a stone crab home delivery company, Adam Hlavaty, the co-founder of Mrkt Group, a real estate development company, and Henry Parra an aviation software executive from Miami.

The identities of the deceased were confirmed through a police report, while American media cited the State Department as confirming the victims’ nationalities.

The six tourists had been flown from Suiyan in Loisaba Conservancy, Laikipia County, to Mount Ololokwe when their helicopter crashed at the foot of a rocky hill.

Samburu County Police Commander David Nkoroi said that the cause of this tragic accident had yet to be established.

Reports indicate that Outram is a highly experienced pilot who has operated in rugged Northern Kenya for several years as a tour operator, supporting security surveillance in wildlife conservancies.

In an earlier interview with Loisaba’s Elewana Collection, Outram spoke about his passion for flying and exploring northern Kenya.

“I am hugely passionate about flying and what Kenya has to offer. The North has some of the most diverse landscapes over a very short distance. What I get to see every day is something that I feel everyone coming through Kenya should to see. Truly it is some of the most mind-blowing landscapes, that most people in Kenya don’t realise exist. A helicopter opens up the opportunity to see this,” he said in the interview.

He said the helicopter offers tourists access to remote and completely untouched places in Kenya’s north.

Meanwhile, the death of the director general of Ecuador’s National Intelligence Centre (CNI) and his wife was confirmed in a statement posted on the President’s official X account.

“At this moment of profound grief, the National Government extends its deepest condolences to their families, loved ones and close associates, whom it accompanies with respect, solidarity and affection.” The statement posted on X read.

According to Ecuadorian media, Sensi-Contugi served as Minister of the Interior from April to August 2024, before taking over as Director of the National Intelligence Centre (CNI).

Sensi-Contugi is said to have been a close confidant of Ecuador President Daniel Noboa.

American media outlet NBC 6 said the death of Alberto, 55, was communicated through a joint statement by NBCU Newsgroup Chairman Cesar Conde, NBCU Local Chairman Valari Staab, and Telemundo Station Group President Jose Cancela.

“We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that José was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya. José was an exceptional colleague who cared deeply about his teams, the communities they served and the important role our stations play in people’s lives. 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. Our hearts are with his loved ones, and with all of José’s colleagues and friends who are grieving this terrible loss.” they stated.

Also, the US media outlet said the death of Duarte, 39, was confirmed by his family in a statement

“The Duarte and Valls families are devastated and heartbroken by the tragic helicopter accident in Kenya that claimed the lives of our beloved Roger Edward Duarte, our dear friends Jose Suarez, Adam Hlavaty, Henry Parra, Michele Sensi-Contugi, and Stephany Holliham Yeaza, as well as Josh Outram, the helicopter’s pilot.”

“The magnitude of this tragedy is impossible to comprehend, and there are no words to express the depth of our pain. We ask that you keep them all and everyone who loved them in your prayers. We respectfully request privacy as our families grieve this unimaginable loss,” the family said in a statement.

The aircraft belonging to Lady Lori, a chartered helicopter operator, crashed while landing on Mt Ololokwe, a site preferred by tourists for its scenic views and sunsets.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) identified the aircraft involved in the accident as a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM.

According to Mr Diba Ngera, a local tour operator and one of the first responders, Mt Ololokwe is frequented by tourists keen on enjoying the scenic views of the expansive Matthews ranges as well as spectacular sunsets.

“Tourists frequent Mt Ololokwe to enjoy breakfast at its peak. Helicopters also bring tourists here to watch the sunset. The pilot might have been trying to land when the aircraft crashed,” Mr Ngera said.

Samburu is also a popular destination for high-net-worth individuals, who frequent its remote and luxurious lodges.

Mr Ngera said that the hill’s peak experiences strong winds, and that locals had erected signage warning pilots of the risks.

“Although there has never been an accident on the hill, we recognised the danger and put up warning signs. The community has also prepared an airstrip, but tourists prefer to land at the peak,” he said.

On Wednesday, August 19, recovery and evacuation of bodies from the crash site was suspended after four bodies had been retrieved.

The Samburu County Police Commander said that the operation to retrieve the remaining three bodies would resume on Thursday.

The difficult and hilly terrain around the crash site has slowed down the search and recovery efforts.

AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.

Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.

A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.

Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM

Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar

Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.

Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.

Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.

Take a minute outside your schedule to have a good laugh and conversations that resonate with you. Welcome to Lunch N Rant podcast where we talk about anything and everything life.

Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.

Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens

Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.

Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.

Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.

The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.

Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.

This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.

A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.

The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA

The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience

Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.

This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.

VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.

This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.

In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.

Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.

Reporting originally appeared via NTV Kenya. Read the full source for additional context.