Telemundo exec killed in Kenya helicopter crash that left five Americans dead

A key Telemundo executive was one of seven helicopter passengers killed in a fiery crash near the foothills of a mountain in northern Kenya on Wednesday.

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Florida-native José Alberto Suárez, 55, was traveling in the chopper around 9:13 a.m. when the aircraft crashed near Mount Ololokwe, in Samburu County, Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority said.

The devastating news was announced in a memo to employees by NBCUniversal News Chairman Cesar Conde, NBCU Local Chairman Valari Staab and Telemundo station group president Jose Cancela.

“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,” the memo, obtained by Variety, read.

“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, humor, 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.”

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Before he was a station leader, Suárez was director of creative services and programming for WTVJ in Miami.

Suárez has received multiple accolades for his work, including a Lone Star Emmy, a Suncoast Emmy, three Emmys for best daily newscast and multiple Associated Press awards.

The helicopter went down while heading toward the Ewaso ⁠Nyiro river, which flows through the Samburu ⁠National Reserve, a KCAA spokesperson said. 

The company that operated the flight, Lady Lori Helicopters, expressed its “deepest sympathies” with the “guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident.”

Luxury tour agency &Beyond confirmed that the chopper was carrying its guests.

Rescue efforts by the Kenyan Red Cross ran into hardship because of “difficult terrain access and an active fire at the crash site.”

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With Post wires.