On Thursday, April 10, 2025, a tragic helicopter crash in New York City claimed the lives of six individuals, including Agustín Escobar, the CEO of Siemens Spain, his wife Mercé Camprubí Montal, and their three young children. The family, who resided in Barcelona, was on a tourist trip in New York and had just arrived that morning.
The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter, was conducting a 15-minute panoramic tour over the city, which included views of the Statue of Liberty and the iconic Manhattan skyline. The flight took a devastating turn around 3:15 PM local time when the aircraft went down into the Hudson River.
Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter breaking apart in mid-air before plummeting into the water. Videos shared on social media depicted the aircraft upside down, submerged, and near a ventilation tower of a tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey. The wreckage has since been recovered for investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Eyewitness accounts have suggested that the helicopter may have experienced mechanical failures prior to the crash. One witness claimed to have seen the propeller detach from the helicopter and spin in the water, while another noted that the rotor was completely separated from the fuselage yet still rotating. A representative from the helicopter company indicated that the pilot had communicated with the base moments before the crash, reporting that they were out of fuel and needed to return. However, the helicopter did not arrive back at the base as expected.
The Escobar family was in New York for a vacation, and according to reports, one of their children was celebrating a birthday during the trip. Agustín Escobar had recently been promoted to an executive position in Siemens’ Southwestern Europe division in 2022. Mercé Camprubí Montal held a global marketing director role at Siemens and came from a family with deep ties to FC Barcelona; her grandfather and great-grandfather both served as presidents of the club.
The accident has drawn comparisons to other notable incidents over the Hudson River, including the famous “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009, where a US Airways flight made an emergency landing in the river, saving all 155 passengers on board. However, this latest tragedy echoes darker memories, as the Hudson has seen its share of aviation accidents over the years. In January 2025, for instance, a commercial plane collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., resulting in the loss of 64 lives.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the incident during a press conference, expressing his condolences for the victims. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also lamented the loss, stating, “Six innocent souls lost their lives.” The community has been left in shock as they process this devastating event.
The helicopter crash has reignited discussions about safety regulations surrounding tourist flights in New York City, where helicopter tours have become increasingly popular. The area is known for its heavy helicopter traffic, with multiple heliports catering to both tourists and business executives. While many flights operate without incident, the frequency of helicopter accidents raises concerns about the safety protocols in place.
As investigations continue, the families and friends of the victims are left to mourn their loss, with many sharing heartfelt tributes on social media. Photographs taken just before the flight, capturing the family’s excitement and joy, have been circulating, serving as a poignant reminder of the lives lost.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is crucial for authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash to ensure that such an incident does not happen again. The families of the victims deserve answers, and the public deserves assurance that safety measures are being prioritized in the aviation industry.
As the community grieves, the legacy of Agustín Escobar and his family will live on in the hearts of those who knew them. They were not only successful professionals but also devoted parents and cherished members of their community. This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
