In a tragic incident on Thursday, April 10, 2025, Agustín Escobar, the CEO of Siemens España, along with his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three young children, lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the Hudson River, New York. The family was on vacation and had booked a scenic flight over Manhattan when the accident occurred.
Agustín Escobar, born in 1975 in Puertollano, Ciudad Real, had a distinguished career at Siemens, joining the company in 1998. He held various leadership positions, including the CEO of Siemens España since 2022 and the global executive director of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, a role he assumed in October 2024. His professional journey was marked by significant contributions to the energy, infrastructure, and transportation sectors, with extensive experience in the United States, South America, Spain, and Germany.
His wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, was also a prominent figure in the business world, serving as the Global Marketing Director at Siemens Energy. She was the granddaughter of former FC Barcelona president Agustí Montal Costa and the great-granddaughter of another, Agustí Montal Galobart, making her family well-known in Barcelona. The couple's three children, aged 4, 5, and 11, were also aboard the ill-fated flight.
The helicopter, a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV operated by New York Helicopter Tours, took off from the Downtown Manhattan heliport shortly after 3:00 PM local time. Witnesses reported that the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure, with one of the propellers detaching from the fuselage before it plunged into the river near the Tribeca neighborhood. The helicopter fell into the Hudson "like a rock," as described by onlookers.
New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that all six occupants, which included the pilot, perished in the crash. The accident is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Eyewitness accounts indicated that the helicopter had been airborne for about 15 minutes, and it had traveled a distance of approximately six kilometers before the tragic incident occurred.
Escobar's career was characterized by his commitment to innovation and sustainability, as noted in his LinkedIn profile. He had a passion for developing high-performance teams and transforming organizations positively. His journey at Siemens began as a sales and project management head in Spain, later leading to significant roles in North America and Latin America.
The family had arrived in New York from Barcelona that very morning and had planned a short panoramic flight to enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty and the iconic Manhattan skyline. Tragically, just moments before the flight, the family posed for a photo, beaming with smiles, completely unaware of the impending disaster.
In the aftermath of the crash, Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her sorrow, stating, "Six innocent souls have lost their lives." The emotional toll of the incident has resonated deeply within the community, with notable figures, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, expressing their condolences. Sánchez, who was in Beijing at the time, referred to the accident as an "unimaginable tragedy," extending his thoughts to the victims' loved ones.
Emiliano García-Page, the president of Castilla-La Mancha, where Escobar hailed from, also shared his grief on social media. He highlighted Escobar's recognition as a "Favorite Son of Castilla-La Mancha" in 2023, a testament to his contributions and legacy in the region.
As the investigation continues, the focus will be on determining the cause of the helicopter's failure. The executive director of New York Helicopter Tours, Michael Roth, expressed his devastation over the incident, stating, "I have not seen anything like this in the 30 years I have been in the helicopter business." Roth suggested that possible causes could include mechanical failure or even a collision with a large bird.
The helicopter crash marks one of the deadliest aviation accidents in New York in recent years, with at least 32 fatalities in helicopter accidents reported since 1977. This tragedy highlights the inherent risks associated with aerial tours, despite their popularity among tourists seeking unique views of the city.
The families of the victims are now faced with unimaginable loss, and the community is rallying around them in support. As the investigation unfolds, many are left to ponder the fragility of life and the unexpected nature of tragedy.
This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. The Escobar family was deeply rooted in their community, and their absence will be profoundly felt by those who knew them.
