NBC Universal Colleagues ‘Heartbroken’ After Telemundo President Dies in Helicopter Crash

Photo via NBC 6 Miami.

José Alberto Suárez, a longtime Florida-based journalist who was serving as the president and general manager of several Telemundo channels in the state, died Wednesday in a helicopter crash in Kenya, NBC 6 Miami reported. He was 55.

Suárez headed Telemundo 31 (Orlando), Telemundo 49 (Tampa), and Telemundo Ft. Myers–Naples. He previously was the president of numerous other Telemundo stations across the country, including Telemundo 33 (Sacramento), Telemundo Fresno, Telemundo Las Vegas, Telemundo Utah, and Telemundo San Antonio. Before those leadership positions, he was the executive producer of non-news programming and then the director of creative services and programming at NBC Miami.

He was one of four Americans killed in the crash, which happened in Samburu County, in northeastern Kenya.

The veteran journalist had more than 25 years of experience, and had been with Telemundo and NBC stations for 19 years, reported NBC 6, adding that Suárez was “known as a visionary leader committed to expanding and growing Telemundo’s markets.”

Suárez’s awards included a Lone Star Emmy, a Suncoast Emmy, three Emmys for Best Daily Newscast, and multiple Associated Press awards.

NBCU Newsgroup Chairman Cesar Conde, NBCU Local Chairman Valari Staab, and Telemundo Station Group President Jose Cancela released a statement lauding Suárez work:

“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,” the NBC 6 report concluded.

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