A helicopter touring New York City’s Hudson River crashed near Hoboken, New Jersey, claiming the lives of Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, three young children, and the pilot, as investigators search for answers amid witness reports of parts detaching mid-air.
Key Takeaways
- A Bell 206 sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Hoboken, killing all six people aboard
- Victims included Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, their three children (ages 4, 5, and 11), and the 36-year-old pilot
- The Spanish family was visiting New York City from Barcelona as tourists
- Witnesses reported seeing helicopter parts detach mid-air before the crash occurred
- The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash
Tragic End to Family Vacation
The helicopter crashed at approximately 3:17 p.m. shortly after departing from the Wall Street Heliport. The aircraft was on its sixth flight of the day when disaster struck. Emergency responders from multiple agencies including the NYPD, FDNY, Port Authority, and New Jersey agencies arrived at the scene within minutes, but were unable to save any of the passengers. The Bell 206 helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters and owned by Meridian Helicopters, was discovered upside-down in the water during rescue efforts.
Weather conditions at the time included overcast skies with water temperatures around 50 degrees and wind gusts up to 21 mph. The planned flight path included scenic views around Governor’s Island, the Statue of Liberty, and along the Hudson River. Multiple witnesses reported seeing parts of the helicopter detach in mid-air before it plummeted into the river, providing crucial early evidence for investigators as they work to determine the cause of the crash.
Agustin Escobar, president and CEO of Siemens in Spain, along with his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, their three young children aged 4, 5, and 11, and the pilot, have been identified as the victims of yesterday's Hudson River helicopter crash.
The aircraft, which had taken off… pic.twitter.com/WQXDi4K67b
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) April 11, 2025
Prominent Executive Among the Victims
Agustin Escobar had been leading Siemens’ Spain and Southwest Europe division since 2022, where he had established himself as a key figure in the company’s operations. The business leader was traveling with his wife Merce Camprubi Montal and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11, on what was meant to be a memorable family vacation to New York City from their home in Barcelona, Spain.
“With Agustín Escobar we have the best possible successor to lead, from now on, the company in Spain. In recent years his work has been key to Siemens’ success in the field of mobility and transport,” Miguel Ángel López said.
The tragic news has sent shockwaves through both the business community and the victims’ home country of Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy” while extending condolences to the family’s loved ones. The pilot’s identity has not yet been released by authorities, though it was confirmed they were 36 years old and also perished in the crash.
Official Response and Investigation
President Trump addressed the tragedy, stating: “Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us. The footage of the accident is horrendous. God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly!”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, saying: “Our hearts go out to the family and those on board.” The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have established a safety zone in the Hudson River as they conduct a thorough investigation into what caused the fatal crash. This incident joins a history of aircraft incidents in New York City’s waterways, including the famous “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009, though with a far more tragic outcome.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch detailed the immediate response: “NYPD units from aviation, harbor, scuba and patrol all responded, with our first units arriving at the site within minutes. Our NYPD divers entered the water, along with rescue personnel from FDNY, Port Authority and various New Jersey agencies.”
Sources:
- Siemens exec and his family identified as victims in deadly Hudson helicopter crash – DNyuz
- Helicopter crash in Hudson River kills all 6 aboard – CBS New York
- Siemens exec and his family identified as victims in deadly Hudson helicopter crash – ABC News
