On April 10, 2025, New York City was shaken by a tragic accident when a Bell 206 helicopter, conducting a tourist sightseeing tour, crashed into the Hudson River.
Among those aboard were members of a Spanish family visiting the city: Agustín Escobar, CEO of Siemens Spain; his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal; and their three children, Víctor (4), Mercedes (8), and Agustín (10). Tragically, all family members perished in the crash, alongside the pilot, Sean Johnson.
The helicopter, operated by the New York Helicopter Company, departed from the Lower Manhattan heliport at 2:59 p.m. During the flight, the pilot reported needing fuel but was cleared to proceed. Shortly thereafter, at 3:17 p.m., contact with the helicopter was lost.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion and observing critical components, including the helicopter’s rotors and tail, detaching midair. The helicopter subsequently split into two parts and plunged into the Hudson River, landing upside down. Dramatic images of the accident quickly circulated across social media.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) immediately launched an investigation. However, the absence of flight recorders and cabin cameras, coupled with unrecovered key components such as the main rotor and transmission, has complicated the inquiry. According to Justin Green, a lawyer and former helicopter pilot, video footage indicates a “catastrophic mechanical failure,” possibly caused by the main rotor striking the tail, resulting in an unrecoverable loss of control.
Agustín Escobar, originally from Puertollano, Ciudad Real, was recognized for his prominent role at Siemens Mobility. His wife Mercè, a global marketing manager at Siemens Energy, came from an influential Catalan business family. The Escobar-Camprubí family had been visiting New York to celebrate birthdays and spend quality time together, unaware their joyful trip would end so tragically.
Mercè’s brother, Joan Camprubí Montal, shared a poignant message online: “These are very difficult times, but optimism and joy have always characterized our family. We want to keep the memory of a happy and united family, in the sweetest moment of their lives.”
A particularly poignant detail in one of the final photos shows each family member wearing identical yellow bags around their waists. These were specialized life jackets, known as Heli vests from EAM Worldwide, designed specifically for helicopter flights. Despite their presence, the vests did not inflate or provide protection due to the violent nature of the crash.
Public reaction to the incident was overwhelming, with heartfelt condolences flooding social media. One individual expressed, “I’m completely heartbroken and saddened by this news. My thoughts are with the family and everyone affected by this tragedy.” Another commented, “Such a tragedy…it must have been a terrifying and devastating experience. My deepest condolences to their family.”
This devastating incident has intensified discussions about the safety of tourist helicopter flights in New York, especially in light of another recent crash involving a private plane near Copake, which also resulted in fatalities.
As the investigation continues, the memories of those lost—both the Escobar-Camprubí family and pilot Sean Johnson—remain deeply cherished by their loved ones and the broader community.
