New York City – What was meant to be a joyful family sightseeing trip turned into a devastating tragedy on Thursday afternoon, when a helicopter carrying a Spanish family of five crashed into the Hudson River, killing all six people on board, including the pilot.
Among the victims was Agustín Escobar, a high-ranking executive at Siemens, and his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, a respected global marketing leader at Siemens Energy. Their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11, also perished in the crash. The family had traveled from Spain to New York to celebrate a special occasion — a holiday that would end in unspeakable loss.
A Sightseeing Flight Ends in Catastrophe
The helicopter was scheduled for a routine aerial tour of Manhattan, a popular activity for tourists visiting the city. However, shortly after takeoff, the aircraft encountered what authorities are calling a "catastrophic in-flight failure."
According to preliminary reports, the helicopter lost control mid-air and plunged into the Hudson River, landing on the New Jersey side of the waterway. Witnesses described a horrifying scene as the aircraft appeared to spiral before hitting the surface upside down.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but all six people on board — including the experienced pilot — were pronounced dead shortly afterward.
"It was supposed to be a happy, unforgettable family experience. Instead, it turned into a heartbreaking tragedy," said one NYPD officer involved in the recovery operation.
Victims Remembered: A Family of Accomplishment and Legacy
Agustín Escobar held the position of CEO of Siemens Mobility Spain, playing a key role in advancing sustainable transportation and infrastructure projects in Europe. He was widely respected for his leadership and vision.
His wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, served as Global Head of Marketing for Siemens Energy and came from a family with deep historical ties to Spanish culture and sport. She was the granddaughter of Agustí Montal i Costa, a former president of FC Barcelona, one of the most iconic football clubs in the world.
The couple's three children, all under the age of 12, had bright futures ahead of them. Friends and colleagues have described the family as warm, intelligent, and close-knit.
“They were the kind of people you wanted to be around — kind, brilliant, and humble,” said a colleague from Siemens. “This loss is unimaginable.”
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are now leading a full-scale investigation into what caused the crash. The wreckage has been recovered from the Hudson River and is being analyzed to determine whether a mechanical failure, weather-related issue, or human error was to blame.
Early witness accounts suggest that the helicopter may have broken apart in the air before hitting the water. Authorities confirmed that the flight path was legal and within the standard tourist corridor above the Hudson.
The helicopter tour company involved has temporarily suspended operations and released a statement expressing deep sorrow for the victims and full cooperation with investigators.
🇪🇸 Mourning in Spain
News of the crash has sent shockwaves throughout Spain. Government officials, business leaders, and sports organizations have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims.
The Spanish consulate in New York is assisting with the repatriation of the remains and offering support to extended family members.
“We are heartbroken by this loss,” said a statement from the Spanish Foreign Ministry. “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims during this terrible time.”
FC Barcelona also released a tribute honoring Mercè’s grandfather and expressing sorrow for the loss of the entire family.
A City and a Nation Grieve
This accident marks one of the deadliest helicopter crashes in recent years in the United States and has reignited debates about the safety of urban air tours. Critics have long raised concerns about the risks of low-altitude flights over densely populated areas and waterways.
As the investigation continues, New Yorkers and Spaniards alike are left mourning a family whose lives were taken far too soon. A small memorial has already begun to form along the Hudson River shoreline where the crash occurred — a quiet reminder of a family that came to see the beauty of the city, and instead became part of a tragedy that will never be forgotten.