A sightseeing helicopter plunged into the Hudson River near New York City, claiming the lives of Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his entire family, and the pilot in a devastating crash that has shocked both the business world and the Spanish community.
Key Insights
- Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, and three young children perished when their tourist helicopter crashed into the Hudson River.
- The Bell 206 helicopter was on its sixth flight of the day when witnesses reported seeing parts detach mid-air before the crash.
- President Trump has directed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to investigate the incident, with the NTSB leading efforts to determine the cause.
- Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes, but no survivors were found.
- The family from Barcelona was visiting New York City as tourists when the tragedy occurred near Hoboken, New Jersey.
Tragic Loss of Executive and Family
The helicopter crash that occurred at 3:17 p.m. near Hoboken, New Jersey claimed the lives of all six people aboard. Agustin Escobar, who headed Siemens’ Spain and Southwest Europe division since 2022, was accompanied by his wife Merce Camprubi Montal and their three children, ages 4, 5, and 11. The family was visiting from Barcelona as part of a sightseeing tour of New York City when disaster struck. The 36-year-old pilot, whose identity remains unreleased, also perished in the crash.
Escobar’s death represents a significant loss for Siemens, where he had established himself as a key executive. His appointment to lead the company’s operations in Spain came after years of valuable contributions to the organization. Former Siemens Spanish division head Miguel Ángel López had previously praised Escobar’s leadership abilities and contributions to the company’s success in transportation and mobility sectors.
Agustín Escobar, a Siemens executive, and his family were killed in the Hudson River helicopter crash, law enforcement source says https://t.co/a4sOjeh8cF
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) April 11, 2025
Investigation Underway
The Bell 206 helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters and owned by Meridian Helicopters, was found upside-down in the Hudson River. The aircraft had departed from the Wall Street Heliport and was on its sixth flight of the day. Its planned route included scenic views around Governor’s Island, the Statue of Liberty, and along the Hudson River. Multiple witnesses reported seeing helicopter parts detach mid-air before the crash, providing crucial early evidence for investigators.
“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!” said President Trump.
Weather conditions at the time included overcast skies, 50-degree water temperature, and wind gusts up to 21 mph, which investigators will evaluate as potential factors in the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board has taken the lead in the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration. A safety zone has been established in the Hudson River to facilitate recovery operations and evidence collection.
Emergency Response and International Reaction
Emergency personnel responded rapidly to the crash site. “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,” said Jessica Tisch, detailing the comprehensive multi-agency response effort. Despite their quick arrival, responders were unable to save any of the helicopter’s occupants.
“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,” said Miguel Ángel López.
The tragedy has prompted condolences from officials in both the United States and Spain. New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sympathies, stating “Our hearts go out to the family and those on board.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy” as news of the prominent executive’s death spread across Spain. The incident has rekindled memories of previous aviation incidents in New York’s waterways, including the “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009, though with a far more tragic outcome.
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
