Miami: Among the seven people who died in a helicopter crash in Kenya on Wednesday, one of the victims was Roger Duarte. He was a Miami food entrepreneur. The 42-year-old is known for brands like George Stone Crab and My Ceviche.
According to reports, the crash happened near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, northern Kenya. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) claimed that the crash occurred around 9:13 am local time. The casualties included five Americans.
The helicopter was carrying guests of luxury safari company & Beyond when it crashed while flying toward the Ewaso Nyiro River, reported Hindustan Times. Kenya’s Air Accident Investigation Department is investigating the cause of the crash.
Who was Roger Duarte?
He was best known in Miami for building businesses around seafood and restaurants. He founded George Stone Crab in 2008. Before founding the food business, he left investment banking in his 20s. The company grew from a small local stone crab delivery business into a national operation.
According to reports, the company ships Florida stone crab claws to customers across the US.
Duarte later co-founded My Ceviche, a seafood restaurant, with chef Sam Gorenstein in 2012. It became popular in South Florida. Forbes included Duarte in its 30 Under 30 Food list. He later served as CEO of Hospitality Capital Partners, continuing his work in Miami’s hospitality and investment businesses.
The other passengers, who died in the crash, were identified as Adam Martin Hlavaty, Henry Parra, José Alberto Suárez, Stephany Maria Hollihan Vasconez and Michele Sensi-Contugi. The pilot was Josh Outram. Five of the seven dead were American citizens, according to the US State Department.