Kenya Helicopter Tragedy
Telemundo Executive Jose Alberto Suárez Among Seven Killed in Kenya Helicopter Crash
Key Points
Suárez had a long, national footprint across NBCUniversal, leading Telemundo and NBCU stations in multiple markets beyond Florida, with more than 25 years in television and leadership roles at stations including San Antonio, Sacramento, Fresno, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
Among the seven people killed in the Kenya crash was Miami entrepreneur Roger Duarte, a notable figure in the local business community and co-founder of My Ceviche (and founder of George Stone Crab), who was traveling with Suárez.
The helicopter was operated by Lady Lori Helicopters and was carrying guests traveling with the travel company &Beyond; the crash occurred in Samburu County near Mount Ololokwe, roughly 170 miles north of Nairobi, with all seven aboard dead.
U.S. officials and NBCUniversal leaders publicly mourned Suárez, with a joint NBCU statement calling him 'an exceptional colleague' who cared deeply about his teams and the communities they served, and confirming consular assistance was being provided by the U.S. Embassy.
José Alberto Suárez, a 55-year-old Telemundo executive, died in a helicopter crash in northern Kenya that killed all seven people aboard, including four Americans KCRA. Suárez served as president and general manager of Telemundo stations in Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers–Naples, leading a career spanning more than 25 years in Spanish-language television Yahoo News.
The aircraft crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, roughly 170 miles north of Nairobi, while operating under Lady Lori Helicopters and the travel company &Beyond HeadTopics. U.S. authorities provided consular assistance, and NBCUniversal leadership mourned Suárez as an exceptional colleague who mentored journalists and expanded Spanish-language media across multiple markets The Wrap.
A Decades-Long Career Building Telemundo Markets
Suárez spent about 25 years in television, rising from reporter and anchor to senior leadership Yahoo News. He held president and general manager roles at Telemundo stations across the country, including Sacramento, San Antonio, Fresno, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas KCRA. In Florida, he oversaw three major markets—Miami, Tampa, and Fort Myers–Naples—becoming a respected mentor in the local media community.
Suárez earned multiple Emmy awards throughout his career and was known for his energy and warmth in expanding Spanish-language television across the region. His leadership helped grow Telemundo's footprint and influence in communities he served. Colleagues praised his dedication to developing the next generation of journalists.
Miami Entrepreneur Roger Duarte Also Killed in Crash
Among the seven victims was Roger Duarte, a prominent Miami businessman traveling with Suárez HeadTopics. Duarte co-founded My Ceviche and founded George Stone Crab, making him a notable figure in South Florida's business community. The two were on a trip organized by the travel company &Beyond when the helicopter went down.
Officials did not release additional details about the other victims or their identities as the investigation continued. The crash remained under investigation by Kenyan authorities. U.S. officials said they were providing necessary support to families affected by the tragedy.
NBCUniversal and Industry Leaders Mourn Suárez's Death
NBCUniversal released a joint statement calling Suárez "an exceptional colleague" who cared deeply about his teams and communities The Wrap. The company confirmed that consular assistance was provided through the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. Telemundo leadership emphasized his lasting impact on the stations and journalists he mentored across multiple markets.
Suárez's death shocked South Florida's media landscape, where he was known for his commitment to Spanish-language journalism and community engagement. Colleagues remembered him for his warmth, energy, and willingness to mentor younger broadcasters. Officials asked for privacy as families and colleagues processed the loss.
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