Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC January 25, 2007 Deaths of Ecuadorian Defense Minister Larriva, her daughter, Claudia Avila, and five members of the Ecuadorian Armed ForcesWe are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of Ecuadorian Defense Minister Guadalupe Larriva and her daughter, Claudia Avila, and five members of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces after two helicopters collided near the Eloy Alfaro airport in Manta, Ecuador, on January 24. We stand ready to assist in the investigation of the cause of this accident if asked. |