Michele Sensi-Contugi, director general of Ecuador’s national intelligence center, and his wife Stephany Hollihan Vásconez died in the accident.
Ecuador’s National Assembly confirmed their deaths and expressed “profound solidarity” to family and loved ones, while the presidential office also offered condolences.
The Eurocopter EC130 B4, operated by Lady Lori Kenya, was carrying guests from luxury tour agency &Beyond.
It went down around 9:13am near Mount Ololokwe while flying from Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Ngiro river.
Five Americans were also on board, including Telemundo executive José Suárez, president and general manager of the company’s stations in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers.
The US State Department confirmed the deaths of the five Americans and said embassy staff were providing consular assistance to families.
Witnesses reported heavy rain and dense mist in the area that morning,one local said the aircraft climbed despite poor visibility, made erratic turns, then struck trees and caught fire.
Kenya Red Cross said search and recovery was hampered by difficult terrain and an active fire at the site near Kirish.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the Ministry of Roads and Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Department is leading the probe.
The cause has not yet been determined, but officials said weather will be a key focus.
