MIAMI — Several South Floridians were among the seven who died after a helicopter crash on Wednesday in northern Kenya.

Leer en español

José Alberto Suárez, who grew up in Coral Gables, was the president and general manager of the Telemundo-owned stations in Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers. He was 55.

Roger E. Duarte was the entrepreneur behind Hospitality Capital Partners, the owner of George Stone Crabs, and the co-founder of My Ceviche. He was 42.

Adam Hlavaty, a real estate executive who has served as the vice president of development for Benihana and was a board member of the Coral Gables Art Museum. He was 42.

A pilot with Lady Lori Helicopters was flying a group of six tourists from the Suyian Conservancy to Mount Ololokwe when the single-engine helicopter crashed in Samburu County, according to Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority and the helicopter operator.

Kenya’s Red Cross joined the search and recovery efforts at the fiery scene near Kirish, a remote area at the foot of Ololokwe.

Authorities in Ecuador identified two of the victims as Michele Sensi-Contugi, who had served as the director of the country’s strategic intelligence center, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan.

The U.S. State Department reported that four of the six tourists were U.S. citizens.

Suárez, a Coral Gables High School alumnus, started his journalistic career as a reporter and anchor. He served as president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, or NAHJ. He was with the NBCUniversal News Group for about two decades, leading stations in San Antonio, Sacramento, Fresno, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas.

In a statement from NBCU, executives Cesar Conde, Valari Staab, and José Cancela described Suárez as ”a deeply respected leader and beloved friend and colleague” who “brought energy, humor, warmth, and a strong sense of purpose to his work.”

During his time with WUPW Fox Toledo, Suárez won three Emmys for Outstanding Daily Newscast and several Associated Press Awards, according to his biography with NBCU.

Suárez’s career also included programming, digital and creative leadership for the Telemundo Station Group, NBC6, and Telemundo 51 in Miami.

Related social media posts

Read the statement

Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.