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Helicopter crash
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
A safari helicopter crashed in Kenya, killing 7 including 5 Americans. The crash highlights risks of remote tourist flights and prompts investigation.
Background
On August 19, 2026, a Eurocopter EC130 B4 operated by Lady Lori Helicopters crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, Kenya, while on a charter flight from Suyian Conservancy. All seven on board died, including five Americans and a Kenyan pilot. The cause is under investigation by Kenya's Air Accident Investigation Department.
How it unfolded
- Aug 19, 2026 09:13Helicopter crashes near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, Kenya, killing all 7 aboard.
- Aug 19, 2026Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirms crash and investigation; U.S. State Department confirms American deaths.
- recentlyVictims identified, including Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez and Miami entrepreneur Roger Duarte.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and U.S. State Department confirm deaths and say investigations are underway.
- Company
- Lady Lori Helicopters and &Beyond express condolences and state they are cooperating with authorities.
Still unverified
A second helicopter allegedly transported Roger Duarte's wife, but this has not been confirmed.