All six people on a tour helicopter with a family from Spain - including three children - onboard have been killed in a horrific helicopter crash into New York City's Hudson river. The terrifying crash took place at around 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, closer to the New Jersey side of the Hudson River just off the tip of Lower Manhattan. Officials said the victims include a business executive from Spain, an adult relative, three children and the pilot. PICTURED: Agustín Escobar, the president of the Spanish bran
The final moments before the helicopter lifted off from the Wall Street Heliport must have been filled with anticipation for Agustín Escobar and his family. Smiling for photos, warmly dressed against the April chill, the family of five from Barcelona—Agustín, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11—were embarking on what promised to be a thrilling sightseeing tour over New York City. But just after 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, their joy turned to tragedy when the Bell 206 helicopter they were aboard spiraled into the Hudson River, claiming all six lives on board, including the 36-year-old pilot whose identity has not been released. The crash, described by witnesses as sudden and catastrophic, has left a void not only for those who knew the Escobar family but also for the global business community where Agustín was a respected leader.
Agustín Escobar, 49, was a towering figure in the technology and infrastructure sectors. As the president and CEO of Siemens Spain since December 2022 and the Global CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, he had built a reputation for steering complex projects with precision and vision. His career with Siemens spanned nearly three decades, beginning in 1998 when he joined as a sales and project management leader in Spain’s power automation systems. Over the years, he held leadership roles across North America, Latin America, and Europe, including serving as CEO of Siemens’ Energy Management Division and Infrastructure & Cities Sector in Latin America. His work was instrumental in advancing rail systems and transportation technology, earning him praise as a “key” figure in Siemens’ global success. Just weeks before the tragedy, he had shared his enthusiasm for a visit to India, describing the innovation he witnessed in Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai as “inspiring.” Colleagues remembered him as a leader who combined technical expertise with a deep commitment to his teams.
Merce Camprubi Montal, Agustín’s wife, was also a professional in her own right, working as a global commercial manager for Siemens Energy. Her career included stints in sales and management consulting, with time spent in Manhattan between 2011 and 2013. Descended from a prominent Catalan family, she was the great-granddaughter of a former president of FC Barcelona, a connection that tied her to Spain’s cultural fabric. Together, Agustín and Merce raised three young children whose lives were cut short in the crash, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and ambition.
The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, took off at 2:59 p.m., climbing to about 1,000 feet as it traced a path up the Hudson River toward the George Washington Bridge. Witnesses near Pier 40 in Manhattan reported hearing a loud snap, followed by the sight of the aircraft breaking apart mid-air. One described a rotor blade detaching, another recalled the helicopter spinning violently before plunging upside down into the frigid, 50-degree waters. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, pulling four victims from the river and rushing two others to hospitals, but none survived. The wreckage, submerged near Hoboken’s Pier A Park, underscored the violence of the impact.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are now piecing together what went wrong. Early reports suggest a mechanical failure, possibly involving the rotor assembly, though the pilot’s final radio call—indicating a need for fuel—has raised questions about whether low fuel played a role. The aircraft, leased from a Louisiana-based company, was on its sixth flight of the day, a detail that has prompted scrutiny of maintenance records and operational protocols. New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed heartbreak for the victims, praising the courage of first responders. Across the Atlantic, Siemens mourned the loss of a leader whose contributions shaped industries and communities alike.
For the Escobar family, the trip to New York was meant to be a moment of togetherness, a chance to marvel at the city’s skyline from above. Instead, it ended in a tragedy that has resonated far beyond the Hudson’s shores, reminding us how quickly life’s brightest moments can fade. As investigations continue, the focus remains on honoring the memory of those lost and ensuring such a disaster never happens again.