Guadalupe Larriva

She was the head of the Ecuadorian Socialist Party-Broad Front, as well as the country's defense minister under President Rafael Correa.

A former university professor, she was also the first civilian in 25 years, and the first female in Ecuador's history to hold the post.

[3][4] Two days earlier the defense minister had announced that Ecuador would not renew its contract with the United States Armed Forces which allows US troops to be stationed in and operate from Manta Air Base.

[5] All on board the 2 helicopters, including Larriva's 17-year-old daughter Claudia Ávila and 5 Army officers (Tnte.

After the death of Larriva, Rafael Correa promised to appoint another woman to the position of Defense Minister.