Former Telemundo 33 Sacramento Executive José Alberto Suárez Killed in Kenya Helicopter Crash

A former Sacramento media leader is being remembered today after dying in a helicopter crash on the other side of the world. José Alberto Suárez, who served as general manager of Telemundo 33 Sacramento from April 2019 through February 2024, was among seven people killed when the aircraft went down in northern Kenya on Wednesday. The helicopter was traveling between the Loisaba Conservancy and the Ewaso Nyiro area in Samburu County. There were no survivors.

Suárez had a distinguished 20-year career with NBCUniversal and Telemundo, leading stations in Sacramento, Fresno, Las Vegas, Utah, San Antonio, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers. But his impact went far beyond the boardroom. In 2021, he became the inaugural recipient of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s LGBTQ+ Business Award, a milestone that highlighted his commitment to inclusivity and community building. NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde called him“a visionary, a connector, a mentor, and a tireless champion of our Latino community.”

For Sacramento listeners, this news carries a particular weight. Suárez was a familiar name in local media circles, and his leadership helped shape the station’s presence in the region. His colleagues at Telemundo expressed heartbreak over the loss, and tributes are continuing to pour in from across the country. What do you remember most about José Suárez’s time in Sacramento? Share your thoughts in the comments below.