Ecuador’s Intelligence Chief and Six Others Die in Samburu Helicopter Crash
Seven people, including Ecuador’s intelligence director Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife, died in a helicopter crash on Mount Ololokwe, Samburu County.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 19, 2026
2 min read
On August 19, 2026, a helicopter crashed on Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, northern Kenya, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board.
The victims included Michele Sensi-Contugi, director of Ecuador's Centre for Strategic Intelligence (CIES), and his wife, Stephany Hollihan Vasconez, a fashion designer and founder of Sensi Studio in Guayaquil. The others were six tourists and the pilot, Josh Outram.
Profile of Michele Sensi-Contugi
Born in Italy in 1982 to an Italian father and Ecuadorian mother, Sensi-Contugi held dual nationality. He served as Ecuador’s Minister of the Interior in 2024 under President Daniel Noboa and was a close confidant of the president. Additionally, he directed CIES from 2024 and was involved in business ventures including plastic and rubber manufacturing and scenic flight operations.
Details of the Crash and Recovery Operations
- The helicopter pilot, Josh Outram, had over 15 years of flying experience and operated an African helicopter company specializing in remote tourist flights.
- His company also supported wildlife conservation efforts through aerial assistance in nearby nature reserves.
- The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the crash and coordinated search and recovery efforts.
- Operations were complicated by challenging terrain and an active fire at the crash site, with reinforcements dispatched from Isiolo to aid recovery teams.
The Kenya Red Cross is supporting ongoing search and recovery activities amid difficult conditions.
