In a devastating tragedy that stunned both sides of the Atlantic, six lives were snuffed out in seconds when helicopter parts visibly detached mid-air before the aircraft plunged into the Hudson River, killing all aboard including high-ranking Siemens executive Agustin Escobar and his young family.
Key Takeaways
- Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, three children (ages 4, 5, and 11), and the 36-year-old pilot all perished when their tourist helicopter crashed into the Hudson River.
- Multiple witnesses reported seeing helicopter parts detach mid-air before the Bell 206 aircraft crashed near Hoboken, New Jersey, after departing from Wall Street Heliport.
- The Spanish family was visiting from Barcelona on vacation, with Escobar having led Siemens’ Spain and Southwest Europe division since 2022.
- President Trump ordered Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to investigate the crash, while the NTSB and FAA have launched a full investigation to determine the cause.
- Emergency responders from multiple agencies including NYPD, FDNY, and Port Authority responded within minutes, establishing a safety zone in the Hudson River.
Tragedy Strikes Tourist Family From Spain
The fatal helicopter crash occurred at 3:17 p.m. near Hoboken, New Jersey, shortly after the aircraft departed from the Wall Street Heliport. The Bell 206 helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters and owned by Meridian Helicopters, was on its sixth flight of the day when disaster struck. Emergency services recovered the helicopter upside-down in the water, with all six occupants deceased. Weather conditions at the time included overcast skies, 50-degree water temperature, and wind gusts up to 21 mph, which investigators will examine as potential contributing factors to the crash.
The victims have been identified as Agustin Escobar, head of Siemens’ Spain and Southwest Europe division since 2022, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, ages 4, 5, and 11. The family was visiting New York City from Barcelona, Spain, taking what should have been a scenic helicopter tour of Manhattan landmarks. The pilot, aged 36, also perished in the crash, though authorities have not yet released their identity. The planned flight path included views of Governor’s Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the Hudson River.
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
President Trump and Officials Respond to Disaster
President Trump quickly issued a statement on the tragedy, mobilizing his administration to investigate the cause. “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!” the President stated, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to determining what caused this heartbreaking incident.
“Our hearts go out to the family and those on board,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
The crash triggered an immediate multi-agency 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,” explained Jessica Tisch, describing the coordinated emergency response. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are now conducting thorough investigations into the causes of the disaster, with a safety zone established in the Hudson River.
Respected Executive’s Career Cut Short
Escobar’s death represents a significant loss to Siemens, where he had built an impressive career culminating in his 2022 appointment as head of the company’s operations in Spain and Southwest Europe. His leadership in the field of mobility and transport had been particularly impactful, with colleagues noting his strategic vision and business acumen. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy,” reflecting the shock felt across Spain at the news of the family’s deaths.
“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 Hudson River has unfortunately been the site of several aircraft incidents over the years, most famously the “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009 when Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the river after bird strikes disabled both engines. Unlike that miraculous outcome, yesterday’s helicopter crash represents one of the deadliest aviation incidents in the area in recent years, raising questions about helicopter tour safety in the busy airspace around Manhattan.
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
