A tourist helicopter operated by Lady Lori Helicopters crashed in Samburu County, Kenya, killing all seven aboard – the Ecuadorian intelligence chief, his wife, five U.S. citizens and the pilot. The loss of a senior security official and multiple Americans has triggered diplomatic outreach and a formal accident investigation by Kenyan authorities.
The crash occurred at 09:13 GMT on 19 August as the Eurocopter EC130 B4 departed the Loisaba wildlife conservancy for a scenic flight over the Ewaso Ngiro river. Victims included Ecuador’s National Intelligence Centre head Michele Sensi‑Contugi, his wife Stephany Hollihan, NBCUniversal journalist José Alberto Suárez and restaurateur Roger Duarte among the five unnamed Americans. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the aircraft struck Mount Ololokwe, igniting a fire.
The U.S. State Department said its embassy is providing consular assistance to the families, while Ecuador’s foreign ministry issued condolences and noted the loss of a key security figure. Kenya’s Red Cross reported rescue efforts hampered by rugged terrain and an active fire, and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority launched a formal investigation into the cause.
Investigators have not yet determined the crash cause, and sources differ on victim identification; some reports name journalist José Suárez and restaurateur Roger Duarte, while others list only the Ecuadorian officials and five unnamed Americans, leaving the full passenger roster unresolved.