• Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez died in a helicopter crash in northern Kenya.
• Suárez was the president and general manager for Telemundo stations in Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa.
• The crash, which had no survivors, is currently under investigation by Kenyan authorities.
• Five Americans were among the seven people killed in the incident.

FORT MYERS, Florida – José Alberto Suárez, a seasoned media executive who oversaw Telemundo operations in Orlando and Southwest Florida, died Wednesday, Aug. 19, in a helicopter crash in a remote region of northern Kenya.

The 55-year-old served as the president and general manager of WWDT Telemundo Fort Myers, alongside stations in Orlando and Tampa.

The helicopter, operated by Lady Lori Kenya, crashed at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time Wednesday. Authorities said the aircraft went down in the foothills of Mount Ololokwe within Samburu County while traveling on a charter flight for the travel company &Beyond. According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and local police, seven people were on board the flight, and there were no survivors.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed to The News-Press & Naples Daily News Wednesday that five Americans died as a result of the helicopter crash in Samburu County, Kenya.

The aircraft was reportedly flying from the Loisaba Conservancy toward the Ewaso Nyiro area. An exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by Kenyan authorities.

What was José Suárez’s role in Fort Myers and Southwest Florida?

Suárez took the helm of WWDT Fort Myers in early 2024, reporting to Telemundo Station Group President José Cancela. His leadership was part of a broader oversight of the Telemundo-owned stations serving the Florida markets of Orlando and Tampa.

Throughout a career spanning more than two decades with the company, Suárez held leadership positions in various markets, including San Antonio, Sacramento and Las Vegas. Before his move into station management, he served as the director of creative services and programming for WTVJ, the NBC-owned station in Miami.

According to his LinkedIn, Suárez has received multiple honors throughout his career, including a Suncoast Chapter Emmy award for Outstanding Station Promotion Image with NBC 6, three Cleveland chapter Emmy awards for Outstanding Daily Newscast (Market 41+) and numerous Associated Press awards for his work at Fox Toledo WUPW.  When he was general manager of Telemundo 60 San Antonio KVDA, he led the station to earn the Lone Star EMMY for Overall Excellence in 2019.

According to NBC Miami, NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde, NBCU Local Chairman Valari Staab, and Telemundo Station Group President José Cancela issued a statement: “We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that José was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya. José was an exceptional colleague who cared deeply about his teams, the communities they served and the important 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. Our hearts are with his loved ones, and with all of José’s colleagues and friends who are grieving this terrible loss.”

How are search and recovery teams managing the crash site?

Response efforts in Samburu County in Kenya have faced hurdles due to the environment of the impact zone. The Kenya Red Cross reported that search and recovery operations were hindered by difficult terrain and an active fire at the site.

Emergency teams from the Kenya Red Cross worked alongside a multiagency response group to access the wreckage. Reinforcements were eventually dispatched from Isiolo to assist with the operation. Lady Lori Kenya, the helicopter operator, released a statement that it is cooperating with the relevant authorities as they work to determine the cause of the accident.

The U.S. Embassy in Kenya is currently providing consular assistance and remains in contact with local officials regarding the deaths of the American citizens involved.

Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 ormhannon@gannett.com.