Roger Duarte, a 42-year-old entrepreneur recognized by Forbes in its 30 Under 30 list, was among seven people killed in a helicopter crash during a safari in Kenya on Wednesday. The group included four Americans, their Kenyan pilot, and another passenger whose identity has not been verified.
Duarte, a Miami, Florida resident, was a successful seafood entrepreneur who founded George Stone Crab, an international delivery service for stone crabs. He also co-founded My Ceviche and Zuuk Mediterranean Kitchen. He resided in a $2.8 million mansion in Miami with his wife and two sons.
The chartered Eurocopter EC130 B4, operated by Lady Lori Helicopters and carrying guests from the travel company &Beyond, crashed at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time. The helicopter was en route from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area in Samburu County when it went down in the rugged foothills of Mount Ololokwe.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, all seven occupants of the aircraft perished in the incident. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Local authorities and the Kenya Red Cross were involved in the response efforts.
Duarte's father confirmed his son's death, expressing devastation. Duarte left a career in investment banking at age 24 to establish his seafood business, which gained recognition from Forbes in 2016 for its role as a significant distributor of Florida stone crabs to Latin America.