Ecuador's intelligence chief and wife among seven killed in Kenya helicopter crash

The Eurocopter EC130 B4, operated by Lady Lori Helicopters, crashed at approximately 9:13 am while flying from Loisaba Conservancy. All six passengers and the Kenyan pilot perished. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation into the cause.

Sensi-Contugi, born in Italy in 1982, was appointed to his intelligence role by President Daniel Noboa in January 2024 and previously served as Ecuador's Minister of Government. He was described as a close friend and political ally of President Noboa. His wife, Stephany Hollihan Vásconez, was a fashion designer and entrepreneur.

The couple, married since May 2008, are survived by two children. The remote, mountainous terrain complicated emergency response efforts, and a fire broke out at the crash site. Other victims included José Alberto Suárez, a senior executive at Telemundo, and several American nationals, with the US State Department confirming five American fatalities.

Ecuador's National Assembly ordered the national flag to fly at half-mast for three days in honor of Sensi-Contugi and Hollihan.