The identities of all seven people killed in the helicopter crash at Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County have been released as authorities continue recovery efforts and investigations into the tragedy.
The victims have been identified as pilot Josh Outram and passengers Roger Duarte, Adam Navaty, Stephen Vasconquez, Henry Parra, Michael Contugi and Suian Suarez, the only woman aboard the helicopter.
Outram was a fourth-generation Kenyan whose adult life was deeply connected to aviation and northern Kenya. He had more than 15 years of flying experience in both the conservation and commercial sectors and founded an African helicopter company that connected visitors to some of the region’s most remote destinations.
His company also offered aerial support to Loisaba Conservancy and neighbouring conservancies, including wildlife monitoring, animal translocations and darting operations.
Outram had previously described the Suguta Valley as one of his favourite routes, citing its wildlife conservancies, volcanic craters, river sandbanks, lava pools, flamingo-filled lake beds and the shores of Lake Turkana.
His passion for aviation began at a young age. After obtaining his private pilot licence, he pursued commercial pilot qualifications and went on to accumulate extensive flying experience across Kenya, working in both tourism and conservation.
Although the names of all seven victims have been made public, authorities have not officially disclosed the nationalities of the six passengers. Their nationalities are expected to be confirmed as identification and notification procedures progress.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC130 B4 registered as 5Y-GYM. The helicopter had been travelling from Soyian in Laikipia towards Loisaba Conservancy when it crashed at Mt Ololokwe.
Police and emergency personnel were dispatched to the remote crash site after the accident, while recovery teams navigated the rugged terrain surrounding the mountain.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Department is leading the technical probe and is working with other relevant agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, flight information and other available evidence as they piece together the final moments of the flight.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. Authorities have not attributed the accident to weather conditions, mechanical failure, pilot error or any other specific factor.
