Ecuador intelligence boss and US news executive among seven killed in Kenya helicopter crash

Five Americans are among seven people killed in a helicopter crash in Kenya, the US state department has said.

Ecuador's intelligence chief and his wife, and a US news executive have been named as three of the victims.

The helicopter came down in Samburu County, in the north of the country, on Wednesday morning.

Kenya's civil aviation authority said the Eurocopter EC130 crashed near Ololokwe Mountain. It was reportedly on its way to the Loisaba Conservancy, a 58,000-acre wildlife area.

Tropic Air Kenya, a local safari operator, sent helicopters to help the search and rescue effort.

Luxury tour agency &Beyond told Reuters news agency it had guests on board - but didn't say how many.

A Florida-born news executive was among the dead, confirmed the chair of NBCUniversal News Group, which is a sister station to Sky News.

"We are heartbroken to share the tragic news that Jose Suarez, the president and general manager of the Telemundo-owned stations in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers, was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya," said Cesar Conde.

He said Mr Suarez was "an exceptional colleague and mentor".

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The head of Ecuador's national intelligence centre, Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife Stephany Hollihan Vasconez were also among the victims, the country's government confirmed.

The couple, who have two children, were on holiday in Kenya.

In a statement on X, the presidency said: "In this moment of deep sorrow, the government extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and close associates."

In February, a Kenyan politician was among six people who died in another helicopter crash in the west of the country.

(c) Sky News 2026: Ecuador intelligence boss and US news executive among seven killed in Kenya helicopter crash