Ecuador declares 3 days of mourning after intelligence chief's death in Kenya helicopter crash

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared three days of national mourning after the director of the National Intelligence Center (CNI), Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, died in a helicopter crash in Kenya. The decree was signed while Noboa was on an official visit to China.

The national mourning period will be observed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with the Ecuadorian flag to be flown at half-mast on all public buildings. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Interior will coordinate with the family to organize a state funeral for Sensi-Contugi.

The Eurocopter EC130 B4 helicopter crashed in Samburu County, near Mount Ololokwe, at 9:13 AM local time, killing all seven occupants, including the pilot. The aircraft was en route between Loisaba and Ewasonyiro. Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority officials confirmed the incident, and rescue teams, including the Kenyan Red Cross, used drones to survey the remote crash site. Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident's cause.

Among the other victims was José Alberto Suárez, president and general manager of three Telemundo local stations in Florida. Sensi-Contugi, 44, was a close friend and trusted official of President Noboa, having led the CNI since January 2024. He previously served briefly at the Ministry of Government.

In his decree, President Noboa acknowledged Sensi-Contugi's "commitment, dedication, and profound sense of responsibility" in serving the state and defending national interests. Another decree ordered the Presidential Military House to provide security and protection to Sensi-Contugi's children and other family members requiring such measures after risk assessments.

While President Noboa has not personally commented on social media, Vice President María José Pinto, the Presidency, and other government officials have expressed their condolences. Luis Carlos Ávila has been appointed as the acting director of the CNI to ensure continuity of operations.