Ecuador intelligence chief and five Americans killed in Kenya helicopter crash

Michele Sensi-Contugi, Ecuador's intelligence chief, and his wife Stephany Hollihan died in a helicopter crash in Kenya on Wednesday. Five American citizens were also killed in the incident, the US State Department confirmed.

The accident occurred in Samburu county at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority stated the helicopter was en route from a wildlife conservancy in Loisaba to Ewaso Nyiro, a river that borders several national reserves.

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The National Government expresses its most heartfelt condolences over the sensitive passing of Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife Stephany Hollihan.

Ecuador's presidential office issued a statement expressing "most heartfelt condolences over the sensitive passing" of Sensi-Contugi and Hollihan. Former Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso paid tribute to the couple on social media, offering his solidarity to their family, friends, and colleagues during "moments of profound grief."

Images shared online depict smoke rising from the crash site at Mount Ololokwe. The Kenya Red Cross reported that the area was not yet accessible, and drones were being deployed to assess the scene.

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My solidarity and closeness to their family members, friends, and colleagues in these moments of profound grief. May God grant them consolation and strength, and may the victims rest in peace.