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Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez also died in Kenya accident

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • José Alberto Suárez, president and general manager of three Telemundo local stations in Florida, died in a helicopter crash in northern Kenya.
  • The accident, which occurred near Mount Ololokwe, resulted in seven fatalities, including Suárez, the pilot, and other tourists.
  • Kenyan authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which remains undetermined.

José Alberto Suárez, a prominent executive at Telemundo, has died in a helicopter crash in northern Kenya. Suárez, who served as president and general manager for three Telemundo local stations in Florida, was among seven people killed in the incident on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe, approximately 350 kilometers north of Nairobi. The aircraft was carrying six tourists and the pilot. Authorities in Kenya are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, but the cause has not yet been determined. Among the other confirmed fatalities were Michele Sensi-Contugi, director of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan.

We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic news that José died in a helicopter accident in Kenya.

— TelemundoConfirming the death of José Alberto Suárez.

Telemundo confirmed Suárez's death in a statement, expressing deep sorrow and highlighting his extensive career. "We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic news that José died in a helicopter accident in Kenya," the company stated. The network also emphasized his dedication to his teams and the communities served by his stations. "José was an exceptional colleague who cared about his teams and the communities his channels served," the statement added.

Suárez, a Florida native, had a distinguished 18-year career within the Telemundo group. Since 2024, he led the Telemundo stations in Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers-Naples. Prior to this role, he managed stations in Sacramento, Las Vegas, Fresno, Salt Lake City, and San Antonio. He began his career with the company as a reporter and anchor, earning several regional Emmy Awards during his professional journey. The U.S. Department of State confirmed that four of the victims were American citizens, though identities of the remaining deceased were not immediately released by either the State Department or Kenyan aviation authorities.

José was an exceptional colleague who cared about his teams and the communities his channels served.

— TelemundoDescribing José Alberto Suárez's professional conduct and dedication.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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