José Alberto Suárez, president and general manager of Telemundo‘s TV stations in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers-Naples, Florida, died Wednesday in a helicopter crash, according to the NBCUniversal-owned broadcaster. He was 55.
Suárez was one of four Americans who died in a helicopter crash in Samburu County in northeastern Kenya, according to NBC’s Miami station. All seven people aboard the aircraft, including the pilot, were killed, NBC News’ “Today” reported.
In a memo to employees, NBCUniversal News Group chairman Cesar Conde, NBCU Local chairman Valari Staab and Telemundo station group president Jose Cancela said: “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 continued, “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. We will share more about how we will honor José’s life and legacy in the days ahead.”
