Michele Sensi-Contugi Obituary, Cause of Death - Ecuador Intelligence Chief and Wife Killed in Kenya Helicopter Crash
Ecuadorian intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, were among seven people killed in a helicopter crash in northern Kenya on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The crash occurred in Samburu County, near Mount Ololokwe, during a tourist flight. There were no survivors.
Sensi-Contugi served as director of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center. Ecuador's presidency confirmed his death and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones. His wife, Stephany Hollihan, who held U.S. and Ecuadorian citizenship, also died in the crash. The couple are survived by their two children.
The Kenya Helicopter Crash
The helicopter was a Eurocopter EC130 B4 operated by Lady Lori Helicopters. According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, it was carrying seven people—six passengers and one pilot—and crashed at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time while traveling from the Loisaba Conservancy toward the Ewaso Nyiro area.
The crash occurred in rugged terrain near Mount Ololokwe. Rescue and recovery efforts were complicated by the remote location and a fire at the crash site. Kenyan authorities have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Other Victims
The seven people killed in the crash have been identified as:
- Michele Sensi-Contugi — Ecuador's intelligence chief
- Stephany Hollihan — Sensi-Contugi's wife
- Josh Outram — the Kenyan pilot
- Roger Edward Duarte — Miami businessman and restaurateur
- Adam Martin Hlavaty
- Henry Parra
- José Alberto Suárez — a Telemundo/NBCUniversal executive
The U.S. State Department confirmed that five of those killed were American citizens.
Suárez, 55, was a senior Telemundo executive who had served as president and general manager of several Florida stations. NBCUniversal and Telemundo expressed heartbreak over his death and remembered his contributions to the organization.
Michele Sensi-Contugi Remembered
Sensi-Contugi's death represents a significant loss for Ecuador's government and intelligence community. Ecuadorian officials remembered his public service and commitment to the country.
His wife, Stephany Hollihan, was also among those killed. The couple had been visiting Kenya as tourists when the helicopter went down.
For their families and friends, the tragedy represents the sudden loss of two loved ones whose lives extended well beyond their professional roles.
Cause of the Crash
The cause of the helicopter crash has not yet been determined. Lady Lori Helicopters said the circumstances remained under investigation, while Kenya's aviation authorities are examining what happened. It would therefore be premature to speculate about mechanical failure, weather, pilot error or any other contributing factor.
As investigators continue their work, additional information may clarify what caused the aircraft to crash.
A Tragic Loss
The deaths of Michele Sensi-Contugi, Stephany Hollihan and the five other people aboard the helicopter have brought grief across several countries and communities.
Their families, friends and colleagues are now left to remember their lives while coping with a devastating and unexpected loss.
Our deepest condolences go to the families, friends and colleagues of Michele Sensi-Contugi, Stephany Hollihan, Josh Outram, Roger Duarte, Adam Martin Hlavaty, Henry Parra and José Alberto Suárez. May their memories bring comfort to everyone mourning this tragic loss.