7 Killed in Kenya Helicopter Crash Carrying &Beyond Guests
Five Americans were among the victims of the crash in northern Kenya, which remains under investigation.
Photo: Adrian Kusznirewicz / Unsplash
Seven people, including five Americans, were killed Wednesday when a helicopter carrying &Beyond guests crashed in a remote area of northern Kenya.
The helicopter went down at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time in Samburu County while flying from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. All six passengers and the pilot were killed. The aircraft, a Eurocopter EC130 B4, was operated by Kenya-based Lady Lori Helicopters.
&Beyond confirmed that its guests were aboard the aircraft and said the cause of the crash remains under investigation by local authorities. “Our deepest sympathies are with all those affected,” the luxury tour operator said in a statement.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that five of the victims were American citizens and said the U.S. Embassy is working with Kenyan authorities. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss,” a State Department spokesperson said.
Among those killed was Michele Sensi-Contugi, director of Ecuador’s National Intelligence Center, who was traveling as a tourist with his wife, Stephany Hollihan. Hollihan held both U.S. and Ecuadorian citizenship. José Suárez, president and general manager of several Telemundo stations in Florida, was also among the victims.
The crash occurred near Mount Ololokwe, a prominent landmark and tourist destination in northern Kenya. The region is home to a number of wildlife conservancies and safari camps, with small aircraft and helicopters frequently used to connect remote properties and destinations.
Lady Lori Helicopters said the aircraft was operating a charter flight at the time of the accident and expressed its “deepest sympathies” to the guests, crew, and their families. Search and recovery efforts were complicated by the rugged terrain and a fire at the crash site, according to the Kenya Red Cross.
The KCAA has opened an investigation into the accident. No cause had been announced as of Wednesday evening.
