An Emmy-winning TV legend was one of seven people killed in a fiery helicopter crash in northern Kenya on Wednesday, August 19. José Suárez, 55, was a key NBC executive who served as president and general manager of Telemundo 31, Telemundo 49, and Telemundo Ft. Myers–Naples. Prior to landing his role as a station leader, he had been director of creative services and programming for WTVJ in Miami. The Florida native lost his life when the chopper crashed.
Crash Details and Victims
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the accident occurred at around 9.13am local time on Wednesday in the Lolokwe Mountains. The helicopter was reportedly travelling from Loisaba Wildlife Reserve to the Ewaso Nyiro River, which flows through the Samburu National Reserve. KCAA identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter EC130 B4.
He was confirmed as a victim of the crash in a memo to employees issued by NBCUniversal News Chairman Cesar Conde, NBCU Local Chairman Valari Staab and Telemundo station group president Jose Cancela.
In the statement they penned: "We are heartbroken to share the tragic news that José Suárez, the president and general manager of the Telemundo-owned stations in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers, was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya.
"José was a deeply respected leader and beloved friend and colleague across NBCU Local and NBCU News Group. José was an exceptional colleague and mentor to many.
"He cared deeply about his teams, the communities they served and the essential role our stations play in people’s lives. He brought energy, humour, warmth and a strong sense of purpose to his work, and his impact was felt far beyond the stations he led.
"The suddenness and circumstances of José’s passing make this loss especially difficult to comprehend. Our hearts are with his loved ones, and with all of José’s colleagues and friends across NBCUniversal who are grieving this terrible loss," it concluded.
Career and Awards
During his career, José had received numerous awards, including a Lone Star Emmy, a Suncoast Emmy, three Cleveland-chapter Emmys for daily newscast and multiple Associated Press awards.
The director general of Ecuador’s intelligence agency, Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan Vasconez, a US dual citizen, were also among the victims. The remaining dead were identified as Roger Duarte, Adam Hlavaty, Henry Parra, and pilot Josh Outram.
Location Details
Kenya's Samburu County, where the helicopter crashed, has become a tourist hotspot thanks to its dramatic landscape and scenic views. It is also a major safari destination and boasts the Ewaso Nyiro River oasis - where the helicopter was reportedly heading. The county is home to Samburu National Reserve, as well as Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves.
