The helicopter crash in Samburu that claimed seven lives on Wednesday, August 19 has drawn attention to three high-profile victims whose careers spanned American television, Miami’s food and hospitality industry, and Ecuador’s government.
The victims included a senior Telemundo executive, a well-known Miami entrepreneur, and Ecuador’s intelligence chief.
Telemundo Executive
José Alberto Suárez, 55, was a senior Telemundo executive who had spent more than 20 years in the television industry. Telemundo is a an American Spanish-language TV based in the United States (US) and owned by NBCUniversal
He was president and general manager of Telemundo 31 in Orlando, Telemundo 49 in Tampa, and Telemundo Ft. Myers-Naples.
Suárez previously held various leadership roles at NBCUniversal and Telemundo, including positions at Telemundo 51 in Miami. He began his career as a reporter and anchor before transitioning into management.
Senior NBCUniversal executives confirmed his death, describing him as an exceptional colleague and mentor.
“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,” they said.
Miami Entrepreneur
Roger Edward Duarte, 42, was a Miami-based entrepreneur who made his mark in the city’s food and hospitality sector.
He founded George Stone Crab, a seafood company that earned him the nickname ‘Stone Crab King’ of Miami. Duarte later ventured into the restaurant industry by co-founding My Ceviche, a seafood restaurant chain.
His achievements earned him a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2016. He also served as CEO of Hospitality Capital Partners.
Ecuador’s Intelligence Chief
Michele Sensi-Contugi, 44, was an Italian-Ecuadorian businessman who served as Ecuador’s intelligence chief.
He was appointed Director General of the Strategic Intelligence Centre in 2024 and briefly served as Ecuador’s Minister of Government that same year, making him one of the senior officials in President Daniel Noboa’s administration.
Sensi-Contugi was travelling with his wife, Stephany Hollihan, who also died in the crash. Hollihan was a designer and entrepreneur who founded Sensi Studio, a fashion and accessories brand.
The seven victims died when a Eurocopter EC130 B4 crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County at around 9:13am on Wednesday.
The helicopter was travelling from Loisaba Conservancy towards the Ewaso Nyiro area when it crashed.
The other victims were Americans Adam Hlavaty and Henry Parra, as well as pilot Josh Outram.
