Updated on: August 19, 2026 / 2:57 PM EDT
/ CBS/AP
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A helicopter taking tourists on a safari crashed Wednesday in a remote part of northern Kenya, killing all seven people on board. In a statement to CBS News, the State Department confirmed five Americans were killed in the crash."The U.S. Embassy is in touch with local authorities and is providing consular assistance," the spokesperson said. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss." The helicopter crashed at 9:13 a.m. while flying from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area in Samburu County, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, which said in a statement an investigation was underway. Six passengers and the pilot were on the helicopter. David Nkoroi, the police commander for Samburu, told reporters all seven people on board had died but did not reveal their identities. Later Wednesday, NBCUniversal said its journalist José Alberto Suárez — president and general manager of Telemundo 31, Telemundo 49 and Telemundo Fort Myers–Naples — was among those killed in the crash.In a memo sent to staff obtained by CBS News, NBCUniversal called Suárez "a deeply respected leader and beloved friend and colleague." "José was an exceptional colleague and mentor to many," the memo says. "He cared deeply about his teams, the communities they served and the essential role our stations play in people's lives."
