Asir Province Deputy Governor Prince Mansour bin Muqrin was killed last night in a helicopter crash in Asir, in southwest Saudi Arabia.
Five other officials who were in his company were also killed in the accident, in addition to the crew which includes two pilots, according to Sabq newspaper.
They were identified as Asir Province undersecretary Suleiman Al Jarish, Asir secretary-general Saleh Al Qadhi, Mahayel Governor Mohammed Al Mathami, Agricultural Affairs director Fahd Al Fartish and protocols chief Khalid Al Hamid.
They were returning home after touring a number of coastal projects which are under construction to the east of Abha.
A security source from the Ministry of Interior said that he helicopter had been found in a mountainous area.
Security authorities lost contact with the helicopter in the evening before finding it around 9pm.
Prince Mansour, 43, first served as adviser to the Crown Prince, then adviser to the Saudi King with the rank of minister before his appointment a few months ago as Asir Deputy Governor.