José Suárez, president and GM of Telemundo 31, 49 and Ft. Myers–Naples dies in Kenya helicopter crash

Journalist José Alberto Suárez, president and general manager of Telemundo 31, Telemundo 49, and Telemundo Ft. Myers–Naples, died this Wednesday in a helicopter crash in Kenya.

Suárez was 55 and was one of five Americans killed in the crash in Samburu County, in northeastern Kenya.

With more than 25 years of experience in the media, Suárez also served as president of other stations including Telemundo 33, Telemundo Fresno, Telemundo Las Vegas, Telemundo Utah, and Telemundo San Antonio.

The seasoned Florida-born journalist was known as a visionary leader committed to expanding and growing Telemundo’s markets, having spent 18 years with Telemundo and NBC stations.

Before his station leadership roles, he spent nearly four years at NBC Miami as director of creative services and programming. During his time in Miami, he also served as executive producer of non-news programming and specials, including daily entertainment shows.

Before joining NBCUniversal, Suárez worked as a reporter and anchor at media outlets in Florida, Ohio, and Texas.

Over his long career in the media, he received multiple honors, including a Lone Star Emmy, a Suncoast Emmy, three Emmys for Best Daily Newscast, as well as several Associated Press awards.

In a statement, NBCU Newsgroup Chairman Cesar Conde, NBCU Local Chairman Valari Staab, and Telemundo Station Group President Jose Cancela, expressed:

“We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that José was killed in a helicopter accident in Kenya. José was an exceptional colleague who cared deeply about his teams, the communities they served and the important role our stations play in people’s lives. He brought energy, humor, warmth and a strong sense of purpose to his work, and his impact was felt far beyond the stations he led. Our hearts are with his loved ones, and with all of José’s colleagues and friends who are grieving this terrible loss.”

Rest in peace, José.