Agustín Escobar, a prominent executive from Spain, tragically lost his life along with his wife and three young children in a helicopter accident over the Hudson River on April 10, 2025. The family was on a tourist flight, having just embarked from Pier 6 in Manhattan, when the helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, lost control and crashed into the icy waters.
Escobar, who was born in Puertollano, Ciudad Real, served as the CEO of Siemens Mobility for Spain and southwestern Europe. His extensive career spanned over two decades, during which he held various leadership roles in the company, including significant positions in Latin America and North America, focusing on energy, mobility, and infrastructure sectors. He was recognized as the favorite son of Castilla-La Mancha in 2023 for his contributions to the industry.
On the day of the accident, the family had arrived in New York for a vacation. They were excited to take in the city sights from above, including the iconic skyline and the Statue of Liberty. However, just fifteen minutes into the flight, the helicopter experienced a catastrophic failure, reportedly losing its blades in mid-air before plunging into the river at approximately 3:15 PM local time (7:15 PM GMT). Witnesses described seeing the helicopter's rotor blades spinning independently in the sky as it fell.
Alongside Escobar were his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their children aged four, five, and eleven. Mercè was also an accomplished executive, serving as the Global Marketing Director at Siemens Energy. The couple had been married for over a decade and had built a life in Barcelona, where they were well-known figures in both the business and sports communities. Mercè hailed from a prominent family with deep ties to FC Barcelona; her grandfather and great-grandfather both served as presidents of the club.
The helicopter crash not only claimed the lives of the Escobar family but also that of the pilot. The incident has sent shockwaves through both the business sector and the Catalan sports community, where the Camprubí family has a historic connection. Following the tragedy, condolences poured in from various officials, including the President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, who expressed his sorrow on social media, calling the event "an unimaginable tragedy."
Mayor of Puertollano, Miguel Ángel Ruiz, also conveyed his deepest regrets, stating that the city mourned the loss of one of its most committed sons. He emphasized Escobar's significant contributions to the industrial landscape of Puertollano, particularly highlighting his involvement in the Green Steel project aimed at promoting sustainable steel production.
In the wake of the accident, the president of Castilla-La Mancha, Emiliano García-Page, shared his condolences, recalling Escobar's recognition as a favorite son of the region. He noted that Escobar's legacy would continue to inspire many in the community.
As investigations into the crash continue, the New York Helicopter Tours company, which has been operating for over 30 years, faces scrutiny regarding its safety protocols. The company has previously experienced incidents, including a 2013 emergency landing, but maintained that all aircraft undergo routine inspections. The executive director, Michael Roth, expressed devastation over the recent accident, stating that he had never witnessed such a catastrophic failure in his three decades in the helicopter industry.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the scene painted a grim picture of the moments leading up to the crash. Reports indicated that the helicopter had lost its tail and rotor blades before hitting the water, raising questions about potential mechanical failures or external factors, such as a bird strike. Roth mentioned that he had no idea why the helicopter malfunctioned during the flight, leaving many to wonder about the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
The loss of Agustín Escobar, his wife, and their children has left a profound impact on their community and beyond. Friends and colleagues remember them as a loving family who were dedicated to their professional and personal lives. Photos released by the tour company show the family smiling moments before their flight, a stark reminder of the joy that was abruptly taken from them.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left grappling with the sudden loss of a family that embodied success and dedication. The tragic accident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected turns it can take. Memorials and tributes are expected to honor the Escobar family, celebrating their lives and contributions to society.
In the meantime, the community of Puertollano and the wider Spanish populace continue to mourn the loss of Agustín Escobar and his family, reflecting on their legacy and the impact they had on those around them. The heartfelt condolences from leaders and citizens alike underscore the deep sense of loss felt across the nation.
