On April 10, 2025, a tragic helicopter crash accident in New York’s Hudson River claimed the lives of six individuals, including a high-ranking Siemens executive, his spouse, and their three young children. The family, visiting from Spain, had set out on a sightseeing excursion that turned fatal when their helicopter plunged into the river close to Manhattan.
BREAKING VIDEO: Moment of deadly helicopter crash in the Hudson river; 4 people were reportedly on-board
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 10, 2025
The Victims: A Family’s Dream Trip Ends in Heartbreak
Agustín Escobar, the President of Siemens Spain, was traveling with his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, a global commercialization manager at Siemens Energy, along with their children aged 4, 5, and 11. They had arrived in New York from Barcelona the day before, excited to see the city’s attractions. Their lives were tragically cut short when the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter they were on crashed into the Hudson River at approximately 3:15 p.m.
The pilot, whose name has not been released, also lost his life in the incident. Witnesses reported hearing loud sounds and observing the helicopter disintegrate in mid-air before it rapidly descended into the river.
The Crash: A Sightseeing Adventure Turns Deadly
The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters, took off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 2:59 p.m. The tour included a flight around the Statue of Liberty before proceeding north along the west side of Manhattan. About 16 minutes into the journey, the helicopter suffered an in-flight breakup, leading to its crash near Pier 40.
Emergency responders from the NYPD and FDNY arrived promptly, but four victims were declared dead at the scene, while the remaining two later died from their injuries at the hospital.
Investigations and Reactions
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that a part of the helicopter’s rotor blade detached mid-air, leading to the fatal descent.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, stating, “Our hearts go out to the families of those who were onboard.” Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the incident “an unimaginable tragedy” in a social media post.
Remembering the Escobar Family
Colleagues and friends remember Agustín Escobar as a dedicated leader and a loving family man. His wife, Merce, was known for her commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Their children were described as bright and full of life. The family’s untimely death has left a void in both their professional circles and among those who knew them personally.
Outcomes
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of stringent safety measures in aviation. As investigations continue, the memories of the Escobar family will remain in the hearts of many.