Telemundo exec killed in Kenya helicopter crash that left four Americans dead

A key Telemundo executive was one of seven helicopter passengers killed in a fiery crash near the foothills of a mountain in northern Kenya on Wednesday.

José Alberto Suárez, 55, was traveling in the chopper around 9:13 a.m. when the aircraft crashed near Mount Ololokwe, in Samburu County, Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority said.

NBCUniversal News Chairman Cesar Conde, NBCU Local Chairman Valari Staab and Telemundo station group president Jose Cancela announced the news in a memo to employees, obtained by Variety.

José Alberto Suárez, 55, (center) at the Emmys in a photo posted to Instagram on December 8, 2024. Instagram/José Alberto Suárez

José Alberto Suárez is pictured with his daughter Amanda in a photo posted to Instagram on May 17, 2022. Instagram/José Alberto Suárez

“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 reportedly read.

“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.”

Before he was a station leader, Suárez was director of creative services and programming for WTVJ in Miami.

Suárez has received multiple accolades for his work, including a Lone Star Emmy, a Suncoast Emmy, three Emmys for best daily newscast and multiple Associated Press awards.