20.08.2026 08:10
Ecuador declared three days of national mourning following the deaths of Michele Sensi-Contugi, Director of the National Intelligence Center (CNI), and his wife Stephany Hollihan in a helicopter crash in Kenya.
A 3-day national mourning has been declared in Ecuador following the deaths of the Director of the National Intelligence Center (CNI), Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, in a helicopter crash in Kenya.
According to reports in the Ecuadorian press, 7 people, 6 passengers and 1 pilot, lost their lives when a "Eurocopter EC130 B4" helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Kenya.
NATIONAL MOURNING DECLARED
Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa, during his official visit to China, declared 3 days of national mourning due to the death of CNI Director Sensi-Contugi.
In the official statement published by the government, it was stated, "The Presidency of the Republic of Ecuador deeply regrets the passing of CNI Director Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife, Stephany Hollihan. Sensi-Contugi served the state with loyalty, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility. In every task entrusted to him, he contributed to the defense of national interests and the well-being of the country."
CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION
Meanwhile, Ecuadorian leader Noboa instructed the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Interior to organize a state ceremony in coordination with Sensi-Contugi's family.
Among those who died in the accident was also American media executive Jose Alberto Suarez. It was stated that Suarez served as the president and general manager of three Telemundo stations in Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers-Naples, Florida.
Kenyan authorities have launched a large-scale investigation to determine the causes of the accident.
WHO IS SENSI-CONTUGI?
Sensi-Contugi, aged 44, was known as one of the closest bureaucrats to Ecuadorian President Noboa and had been serving as the director of the CNI since January 2024.
Sensi-Contugi also served as the Minister of Government between April and August 2024.
Before his public duties, Sensi-Contugi worked in the business world, holding managerial positions in companies operating in the plastics, rubber, and biotechnology sectors.