The Media Owners Association of Kenya (MOA) has joined the global media fraternity in mourning José Alberto Suárez, a senior Telemundo executive who was among seven people killed in a helicopter crash in Samburu County. Suárez died on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, after the helicopter went down near Mount Ololokwe in the Sapashe area.
MOA Sends Condolences
In a statement signed by MOA Chairperson Agnes Kalekye, the association expressed its condolences to Suárez’s family, colleagues and the families of all those who died in the accident. MOA described Suárez as an accomplished media executive whose influence extended beyond the United States.
The association noted that several Kenyan media stations have aired Telemundo content over the years, helping bring programmes associated with the network to Kenyan audiences. According to MOA, this created an indirect connection between the American and Kenyan media industries.
Suárez’s Impact on the Media Industry
Suárez had more than two decades of experience in the media industry, including leadership positions at Telemundo and NBC-owned television stations. He previously served as president and general manager of Telemundo 33 Sacramento and Telemundo 51 Fresno from April 2019 to February 2024.
He later returned to Florida, where he took charge of Telemundo stations serving Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers-Naples. His career was marked by several industry honours, including a Lone Star Emmy, a Suncoast Emmy, three Best Daily Newscast Emmy awards and multiple Associated Press awards.
Telemundo Colleagues Remember Suárez
Telemundo colleagues described Suárez as a visionary leader, mentor and strong supporter of the Latino community. His former stations in Sacramento and Fresno said he had a unique ability to bring people together and encourage collaboration aimed at strengthening communities.
MOA also extended its solidarity to Suárez’s colleagues at NBCUniversal and Telemundo as well as the families of the other victims. The association called for continued support for those affected by the tragedy as they come to terms with the loss. The helicopter crash has brought grief to both the international and Kenyan media communities, with tributes continuing to pour in for those who lost their lives.
