💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa released a public statement Thursday morning following Wednesday’s fatal helicopter crash in Samburu County in northern Kenya that claimed seven lives. The single-engine aircraft, operated by Lady Lori, was carrying six tourists from the Suyian Conservancy to Mount Ololokwe when it went down, according to Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Among the victims were Michele Sensi-Contugi and Stephany Hollihan, both of whom held significant positions in their home country. Sensi-Contugi served as director of Ecuador’s CIES, the nation’s strategic intelligence center, while Hollihan, a fashion designer and founder of Sensi Studio, was recognized as a visionary in the Latin American fashion industry known for promoting Ecuadorean artisans internationally.
In his statement, Noboa emphasized the deep family bonds shared by the deceased couple: “There was nothing more important to them than their children. We know how much they loved them and everything they dreamed for them, and as long as we’re here, they’ll never be alone. We’ll take care of them and stand by them, just as we know they would have done for ours.”
The remaining five victims included four prominent South Florida professionals: José Suárez, 55, president and general manager of Telemundo-owned stations in Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers; Roger Duarte, 42, founder of Hospitality Capital Partners and restaurateur; Adam Hlavaty, 42, real estate executive and vice president of development for Benihana; and Henry Parra, 55, co-founder of software company Trax USA. The seventh victim was identified as Josh Outram, the pilot, described by conservationists as an experienced fourth-generation Kenyan aviator.
Search and recovery operations continued Thursday amid challenging terrain conditions and an active fire at the crash site. The U.S. Embassy in Kenya announced it was coordinating with local authorities to provide consular assistance to families affected by the tragedy.
More Stories
Daughter Searches Las Vegas Hospitals and Morgues for Missing New York Grandmother
Togo Jails French Filmmakers on Immigration Charges as Media Tensions Escalate
Norwegian Boater Fined $5,300 for Using Ship’s Horn to Deliberately Wake Polar Bear