Telemundo executive dies in Mt. Ololokwe helicopter crash

The Media Owners Association of Kenya (MOA) is expressing condolences following the death of José Alberto Suárez, a senior Telemundo executive who is among seven people killed in a helicopter crash near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County.

Suárez served as President and General Manager of Telemundo’s television stations in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers-Naples, Florida. He has spent more than two decades working in the media industry.

In a statement signed by MOA Chairperson Agnes Kalekye, the association sends its condolences to Suárez’s family, his colleagues and the families of the other victims of the crash. The MOA says Suárez’s influence extends beyond the United States, including through Telemundo content that has been carried by Kenyan media stations.

“A media executive for more than two decades at Telemundo and NBC-owned stations, his influence went far beyond the United States,” the statement read. “Many of our member stations have carried Telemundo’s content over the years, bringing the shows he helped bring to life into Kenyan homes. In that way, his work built a quiet bridge between our media worlds.”

MOA Chairperson Kalekye also expresses solidarity with Suárez’s colleagues at NBCUniversal and Telemundo and the families of those who died in the crash. “Our thoughts are also with the families of everyone who died in this accident. We cannot imagine the weight of this sudden loss,” MOA Chairperson Kalekye stated. “We stand with the bereaved families, with Suárez’s colleagues at NBCUniversal and Telemundo, and with all who are grieving. May they all rest in peace,” she added.

Suárez died on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, when the helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe. He previously served as President and General Manager of Telemundo 33 Sacramento and Telemundo 51 Fresno from April 2019 to February 2024 before returning to Florida to manage the Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers stations.

Telemundo’s Sacramento and Fresno stations describe Suárez as a visionary and mentor who worked to bring people together and advocate for the Latino community.

“José Alberto Suárez was a visionary, someone who united people, a mentor and a tireless advocate for our Latino community,” Telemundo’s Sacramento and Fresno stations said in a joint statement. “José had an extraordinary capacity to bring people together, not simply around an event or an initiative, but around a shared conviction: that when we work together, we can strengthen our communities.”

His career includes several industry honours, including a Lone Star Emmy, a Suncoast Emmy, three Best Daily Newscast Emmys and several Associated Press awards.