New York City — In a heartbreaking tragedy that has stunned both local residents and international communities, six lives were lost on Thursday, April 10, when a sightseeing helicopter plunged into the frigid waters of the Hudson River just minutes after takeoff. Authorities have now confirmed the identities of all six victims of the crash, including the pilot and an entire family from Barcelona, Spain.
Victims Identified
The passengers aboard the ill-fated helicopter were identified as:
- Agustín Escobar, 42, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility
- Mercè Camprubí Montal, 39, Global Commercialization Manager at Siemens Energy
- Agustín Escobar Jr., 10
- Mercè Escobar, 8 (whose 9th birthday was the day of the crash)
- Víctor Escobar, 4
- Sean Johnson, 36, the pilot employed by New York Helicopter Tours
The family, known in professional and philanthropic circles for their international work and dedication to innovation and social impact, had flown to New York City to celebrate young Mercè’s birthday with a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride over the Manhattan skyline. The ride was intended to offer a panoramic view of Central Park, the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty — a magical experience turned devastating.
From Joy to Tragedy: The Escobars’ Final Day
The Escobar family arrived in New York just days prior to the incident, having carefully planned their trip around their daughter Mercè’s birthday. According to close family friends and co-workers, the family had been looking forward to the trip for months, planning cultural outings, dinners, and sightseeing tours — with the helicopter experience intended as the highlight.
“They were the kind of people who lit up a room. Intelligent, accomplished, and kind-hearted. They loved showing their children the world,” said Rosa Martínez, a friend of the family in Spain.
On Thursday afternoon, the family boarded a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV operated by New York Helicopter Tours, a popular aerial tour company offering scenic flights from the West 30th Street Heliport. The helicopter took off just after 2:00 p.m. for what was scheduled to be a 20-minute flight. It never completed the tour.
Crash Timeline: What We Know
At approximately 2:18 p.m., the pilot, Sean Johnson, radioed air traffic control to report a fuel shortage and requested an immediate return to the heliport. What happened in the next 90 seconds is still under intense investigation, but eyewitness reports and video footage reveal a horrifying descent.
The helicopter, already en route back to base, began spiraling out of control over the Hudson River near Pier 40 and West Houston Street. Multiple witnesses reported seeing the tail section twitch violently and hearing a loud “boom”, followed by the rotor blades separating from the fuselage mid-air.
The aircraft plunged nose-first into the river, capsizing upon impact and submerging partially into the icy water.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Emergency services were on the scene within minutes. NYPD Harbor Patrol units, FDNY marine units, divers, and EMS teams began recovery operations while attempting rescues. Four passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. Two others — believed to be Mercè Camprubí Montal and pilot Sean Johnson — were pulled from the water in critical condition but later died at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch of the NYPD stated in a press conference:
“This is one of the most devastating aviation incidents our city has faced in years. Every life lost is a tragedy, and in this case, the loss of three young children makes it incomprehensibly painful.”
The Victims: Profiles in Love, Leadership, and Legacy
Agustín Escobar
At just 42 years old, Escobar was a titan in the rail infrastructure industry. A mechanical engineer by training, he rose through the ranks at Siemens Mobility to become its Global CEO of Rail Infrastructure, overseeing major high-speed rail and metro projects in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
“He was shaping the future of public transport,” said Lars Keller, a Siemens colleague. “But more importantly, he was a gentle, devoted family man.”
Mercè Camprubí Montal
Montal, 39, had earned global respect for her role as the Global Commercialization Manager at Siemens Energy. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from ETH Zurich and an MBA from IESE Business School, she was spearheading hydrogen and renewable energy projects across Europe.
Mercè was also the granddaughter of Agustí Montal Costa, former president of FC Barcelona and a major figure in Catalonia’s cultural and political history.
The Escobar Children
Agustín Jr., 10, was described by his teachers in Barcelona as “curious, empathetic, and bright beyond his years.” He loved airplanes and had dreams of becoming an engineer like his father.
Mercè, who would have turned 9 on the day of the accident, had a creative soul and was known for her love of drawing and ballet. The family had planned a Broadway show for her birthday evening.
Víctor, just 4 years old, had recently started preschool and was doted on by his older siblings.
Sean Johnson: The Pilot’s Profile
Sean Johnson, 36, was a highly experienced pilot with over 2,500 logged flight hours, including 800 in the Bell 206 series. Colleagues described him as cautious, professional, and deeply committed to safety.
He had served in the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic before obtaining his pilot’s license and joining New York Helicopter Tours in 2017. Johnson lived in Jersey City with his wife, Tanya, and their two-year-old son.
“This wasn’t just a job to him — it was his passion,” Tanya Johnson said in a statement. “He loved flying and loved showing people the city from above. He died doing what he loved, but he died trying to save those people. That’s who he was.”
The Investigation: FAA and NTSB Mobilize
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full-scale investigation into the crash. Early theories suggest either:
- Mechanical Failure – The main rotor blades were seen detaching from the aircraft before impact, according to multiple eyewitnesses and video analysis.
- Fuel Mismanagement or Leak – The pilot’s radio call reported a fuel shortage, which could indicate a leak or sensor malfunction.
- Possible Bird Strike – Though no bird strike has yet been confirmed, the possibility is under review as investigators comb through flight data and wreckage.
The aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), if present, have not yet been recovered or confirmed. However, the helicopter’s manufacturer, Bell Helicopter, has offered full cooperation.
The Helicopter: Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV
The Bell 206L-4 LongRanger is a long-established model used in tourism, EMS, and law enforcement across the globe. While generally regarded as reliable, it has been involved in several high-profile incidents related to main rotor failure in past decades. This particular aircraft was built in 2008 and had recently passed inspection, according to Michael Roth, CEO of New York Helicopter Tours.
Company Response and Safety Record
Michael Roth, speaking tearfully at a press conference, said:
“As a father and grandfather, I cannot begin to express my sorrow. To lose an entire family — three children — is devastating. We are cooperating fully with federal authorities and will not rest until we understand what went wrong.”
New York Helicopter Tours has voluntarily suspended all flights until further notice. Their previous safety record had been clean, with no serious incidents since their founding in 2001.
Public Mourning and Global Reaction
The tragedy has reverberated far beyond New York. In Barcelona, flags at Siemens Mobility and Siemens Energy headquarters flew at half-staff. The Catalan Parliament held a moment of silence for the victims, and FC Barcelona released a statement honoring Mercè’s grandfather and the family legacy.
Social media was flooded with messages of grief, solidarity, and disbelief. A candlelight vigil is planned in Central Park this weekend, and an online fundraiser has already raised over $500,000 for crash victim support and aviation safety advocacy.
A City in Mourning, a Family Remembered
Mayor Eric Adams stated:
“New York is grieving with Barcelona today. The loss of innocent life — especially children — in such a tragic, preventable manner, is a wound that our city will not soon forget. We are committed to transparency and accountability in the investigation.”
A Somber Reminder
While helicopter tours remain a beloved New York City experience, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in aerial tourism. Aviation safety experts have long debated tighter regulations, improved pilot training, and stricter maintenance
