Ecuador President Daniel Noboa has mourned the death of his intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi, describing him as a loyal friend who stood by him during some of the country’s most difficult moments.
Sensi-Contugi, director general of Ecuador’s National Intelligence Centre, died on Wednesday in a helicopter crash in Samburu County, Kenya, alongside his wife, Stephany Maria Hollihan Vasconez de Sensi-Contugi, four Americans and the Kenyan pilot.
In a deeply personal tribute, Noboa said the tragedy had taken away not only two friends but people who had become family to him and his wife, Lavinia.
“Michele was by my side in some of the most difficult moments of these years,” Noboa said.
He described Sensi-Contugi as “loyal, brave, and steadfast”, saying the intelligence chief remained beside him when difficult decisions had to be made.
“He was irreplaceable in the battles we fought together,” the President said, adding that his death had left “a huge void” in the challenges still facing Ecuador.
Noboa said their relationship went beyond government work, recalling the private moments they shared, including difficult days, conversations, laughter and the trust that developed between close friends.
“Our story was never just about work,” he said.
“With them, we shared life.”
The Ecuadorian President said he was still struggling to accept that the couple were gone.
The tribute also focused on the children left behind by the tragedy. Noboa said he and Lavinia understood that nothing mattered more to Sensi-Contugi and his wife than their children.
“As long as we’re here, they’ll never be alone,” he said.
“We’ll take care of them and stand by them.”
Earlier on Thursday, Ecuador declared three days of national mourning for Sensi-Contugi and announced plans for a state funeral. Flags on public buildings, including civilian and military institutions, will fly at half-staff during the mourning period.
The Ecuadorian government described Sensi-Contugi as having an extensive and distinguished career in both the public and private sectors, saying his leadership and commitment had left a lasting legacy.
The crash occurred at about 9:13am near Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said the Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration 5Y-GYM, was travelling from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when it crashed.
The helicopter was operated by Lady Lori Flight Company on a chartered flight carrying guests of &Beyond. The company said the cause of the accident had not yet been established and was subject to investigation.
Kenya’s Air Accident Investigation Department, under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, is leading the inquiry.
Noboa ended his tribute by saying he and his wife would carry the memory of the two friends with them.
“We’ll miss them our whole lives and carry them with us always,” he said.