Ecuador intelligence chief and wife killed

Ecuador's intelligence chief, Michele Sensi-Contugi, 44, and his wife, fashion designer Stephany Hollihan, 42, were killed in a helicopter crash in Kenya.

The crash occurred at Mount Ololokwe in central Kenya at approximately 09:13 (06:13 GMT) on Wednesday, killing six tourists and the pilot.

Five of the victims were Americans, according to a US State Department spokesperson. Hollihan also held US citizenship, as reported by Reuters.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) stated the helicopter was on a scenic flight from Loisaba wildlife conservancy to Ewaso Nyiro river.

Samburu county, where the crash occurred, is a popular tourist destination known for its private wildlife conservancies and stunning landscapes.

Images from the scene showed smoke at the wooded crash site as Kenya Red Cross members approached the still-burning wreckage.

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa appointed Sensi-Contugi as director of the Centre of Strategic Intelligence (CIES) in January 2024.

The president and Ecuador's National Assembly expressed condolences over the deaths of Sensi-Contugi and Hollihan.

The Italian-Ecuadorean businessman had close ties to Noboa, considered a close ally, and served four months as a minister in his cabinet before leading CIES.

Noboa declared three days of national mourning starting Thursday.

Ecuadorian newspapers ran obituaries for Hollihan, who founded Sensi Studio, a brand noted for traditional Ecuadorean design elements.

Lady Lori Helicopters, operator of the Eurocopter EC130 B4 aircraft, expressed sadness over the accident.

A memo seen by CBS News identified José Alberto Suárez, an NBCUniversal journalist, as one of the American victims.

NBCUniversal described Suárez as a respected leader and beloved colleague.

Miami restaurateur Roger Duarte was also among the American victims, according to local and US media.

US Rep Carlos Antonio Gimenez shared condolences on X, stating, "Our prayers are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. May their memories be a blessing."

The identities of the remaining victims have not yet been confirmed.

Helicopter crashes are not uncommon in Kenya.

In February, a crash in Nandi county killed six people, including a member of parliament.

In 2024, military chief Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla died in a helicopter crash in western Kenya, with only two survivors.

In June 2021, at least 10 soldiers were killed when their helicopter crashed near Nairobi.

Kenya helicopter safety concerns

Helicopter crashes have occurred in various parts of Kenya in recent years, raising questions about aviation safety in the region.

The February 2024 crash in Nandi county that killed six people, including a member of parliament, highlighted ongoing safety concerns.

The 2024 crash that killed military chief Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla occurred in western Kenya and was the second such incident involving a military aircraft in recent years.

A June 2021 crash near Nairobi that killed 10 soldiers occurred during a landing operation, underscoring risks associated with helicopter operations in the region.

Victim backgrounds

The victims included Ecuador's intelligence chief and his wife, who were among the six tourists on the scenic flight.

Hollihan, a fashion designer, founded Sensi Studio, which was praised for its traditional Ecuadorean design elements.

José Alberto Suárez, an NBCUniversal journalist, was identified as one of the American victims in a memo shared with the press.

Roger Duarte, a Miami-based restaurateur, was also among those killed in the crash.

Regional context

The crash occurred in Samburu county, a popular tourist destination with numerous private wildlife conservancies.

Kenya has experienced several high-profile helicopter accidents in recent years, including the 2024 crash that killed military officials and the 2021 incident near Nairobi.

The KCAA stated the helicopter was operating on a scenic flight route between Loisaba conservancy and Ewaso Nyiro river.

Local media reported that the wreckage was still burning as rescue teams approached the site on Mount Ololokwe.

Official responses

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa declared three days of national mourning following the deaths of Sensi-Contugi and Hollihan.

The president described Sensi-Contugi as a close ally and appointed him to lead the intelligence service in January 2024.

Lady Lori Helicopters issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims' families and crew.

US officials, including Rep Carlos Antonio Gimenez, publicly expressed condolences for the American victims.

The identities of the remaining victims have not yet been confirmed by authorities.

The crash site at Mount Ololokwe remains under investigation with smoke still visible at the scene.