Five Americans dead in Kenya helicopter crash in mountainous area

Five Americans died Wednesday following a major helicopter crash in northern Kenya, according to the U.S. State Department.

Seven people were on board when the incident occurred around 9 a.m. local time in a mountainous region near Kirish in Samburu County, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said.

One of the deceased reportedly includes Telemundo executive José Suárez, who oversaw multiple stations in Florida as president and general manager. He was identified in a message to employees by NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde, according to NBC News.

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Helicopters fly over a conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, on May 24, 2025. (Wang Guansen/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Lady Lori Helicopters, the company that operated the aircraft, said it was “deeply saddened” by the incident and extended its condolences to all those affected.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident,” Lady Lori said in a post on social media.

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Officials fly by helicopter over a national park in Kenya on Jan. 16, 2024. (LUIS TATO/AFP via Getty Images)

According to the operator, the aircraft was on a charter flight from Suyian Conservancy, a 44,000-acre private wildlife refuge, to Otolokwe when it crashed near Mount Otolokwe.

Officials said the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC130 B4, with Lady Lori saying it was registered as 5Y-GYM.

The cause of the accident has not yet been determined and is subject to investigation by the relevant authorities, the operator said.

The U.S. Embassy is in contact with local authorities and is providing consular assistance.

A mountainous region rises beyond fields of crops near Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya, on Sept. 26, 2023. (Ed Ram/Getty Images)

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“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,” the State Department said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss.”