A senior Telemundo executive has been killed in a helicopter crash in northern Kenya, one of seven people who died when the aircraft went down near the foothills of Mount Ololokwe. Jose Alberto Suarez, 55, was travelling in the helicopter at about 09:13 local time on Wednesday when it crashed in Samburu County, according to Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority.

Suarez was president and general manager of Telemundo-owned stations in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers. The news was announced to staff in a memo from NBCUniversal News Chairman Cesar Conde, NBCU Local Chairman Valari Staab and Telemundo station group president Jose Cancela. “We are heartbroken to share the tragic news that Jose Suarez, the president and general manager of the Telemundo-owned stations in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers, was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya.”

The memo described Suarez as a “deeply respected leader and beloved friend and colleague” across NBCUniversal.

It said he was an exceptional colleague and mentor who cared deeply about his teams and the communities served by the stations. “The suddenness and circumstances of Jose’s passing make this loss especially difficult to comprehend,” the memo said. “Our hearts are with his loved ones, and with all of Jose’s colleagues and friends across NBCUniversal who are grieving this terrible loss.”

Suarez, who was from Florida, previously worked as director of creative services and programming for WTVJ in Miami. He received several awards during his career, including a Lone Star Emmy, a Suncoast Emmy, three Cleveland-chapter Emmys for daily newscast and multiple Associated Press awards.

The helicopter was travelling towards the Ewaso Nyiro river, which runs through the Samburu National Reserve, when it crashed, a spokesperson for the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said.

The aircraft was operated by Lady Lori Helicopters. The company said it offered its “deepest sympathies” to the “guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident”.

Luxury tour company &Beyond confirmed that the helicopter was carrying its guests.

Rescue efforts by the Kenyan Red Cross were hampered by “difficult terrain access and an active fire at the crash site”.

Authorities have not yet given further details about the cause of the crash.