Tragic Helicopter Crash in New York Claims Six Lives, Including Tech CEO, His Family, and Children
A devastating helicopter crash in New York has claimed the lives of six people, including Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, and their three children, all of whom were on board the ill-fated flight.
The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters, took off from Lower Manhattan at 3 p.m. on Thursday. Just 15 minutes into the flight, it tragically plummeted into the Hudson River.
A Horrifying Scene in Lower Manhattan
What began as an ordinary helicopter ride quickly turned into a nightmare for onlookers. In a city accustomed to the hum of choppers overhead, no one could have anticipated the chilling sight of one spiraling out of control.
Eyewitnesses watched in horror as the aircraft seemed to break apart mid-air before plummeting into the water near Pier 40. One witness described the shocking moment, saying the helicopter “split in half” before crashing into the river. Another man recalled hearing a terrifying “sonic boom” as the aircraft fell.
“It was nose down slightly, and I saw the propeller separating from the helicopter. It kept spinning in the air, unattached to the aircraft,” said witness Sarah Jane Raymond Ryer, speaking to CBS.
The crash has left the city in shock and mourning, as the search for answers continues.
Helicopter Crash in New York Claims Six Lives, Including Siemens Executive and Family
A tragic helicopter crash in New York has claimed six lives, including Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, and their three children, all of whom were on board the doomed flight. The aircraft, operated by the local tour company New York Helicopter, had been airborne for just 15 minutes when disaster struck.
Spiraling to Tragedy
Videos shared on social media captured the horrifying moment the helicopter spiraled uncontrollably toward the ground, its rotors missing, before crashing upside down into the Hudson River.
“NYPD divers pulled four people from the crash site, and FDNY divers recovered an additional two. Immediate lifesaving measures were taken on the vessels nearby, as well as at the adjoining pier. Tragically, four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and two others were rushed to local hospitals, where both later succumbed to their injuries,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Victims Identified
Authorities have since revealed the victims to be a family visiting from Spain. The passengers included Agustin Escobar, a high-ranking executive at Siemens, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three young children—ages 4, 5, and 11.
Escobar, who was appointed in 2022 as an executive for Siemens’ division in Spain and Southwest Europe, was highly regarded for his leadership. Miguel Ángel López, former head of Siemens’ Spanish division, expressed deep admiration for Escobar’s contributions, calling his efforts “key” to the company’s ongoing success.
The loss has shaken both the tech community and the global community, leaving many mourning the family’s untimely passing.
New York Helicopter Crash: Siemens Executive and Family Tragically Lost
A devastating helicopter crash in New York City has claimed the lives of six people, including Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, who were on board the flight. The crash, which occurred just 15 minutes after takeoff, has left the city and the global community in shock.
The Family’s Final Moments
Before the fatal crash, the Escobar family was photographed by New York Helicopters, smiling and posing together inside and outside the aircraft. In the photos, the family is seen giving thumbs-ups, hugging each other, and wearing ear protection while holding folded yellow life vests. These images were later removed from the company’s website following the tragedy.
Law enforcement sources told The New York Post that the family had just arrived in New York City from Barcelona earlier that day. What was meant to be the beginning of a dream vacation turned into an unimaginable nightmare for the family.
Escobar’s Legacy and Calm Demeanor
Agustin Escobar, a highly respected executive at Siemens, was praised for his leadership and calm demeanor, even in the most challenging situations. “No matter how hard things got, he always stayed calm and kept it together. He had this way of making things feel OK, even when they weren’t,” said Juan Ignacio Diaz, a former colleague of Escobar’s, speaking to The New York Post on Thursday night. “And he never forgot what mattered most — his family.”
Escobar, who had been appointed in 2022 as an executive for Siemens’ division in Spain and Southwest Europe, was described as a key figure in the company’s success in mobility and transport. Miguel Ángel López, former head of Siemens’ Spanish division, hailed Escobar’s contributions, saying he was “the best possible successor to lead the company in Spain.”
Fuel Shortage and the Mysterious Cause of the Crash
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, early reports suggest the helicopter may have been running low on fuel. Michael Roth, the 71-year-old owner of New York Helicopter, revealed that the pilot had called in to report the need for a fuel stop, but by the time the pilot should have landed, 20 minutes had passed with no sign of the aircraft. Roth described receiving an overwhelming number of messages before one of his other pilots flew over the river and discovered the horrifying sight of the helicopter upside down.
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of this tragedy, the Escobar family’s death has left a deep mark on both their loved ones and the international community.
Tragic Helicopter Crash in New York: A Devastating Loss for All Involved
A heartbreaking helicopter crash in the Hudson River has claimed the lives of six people, including Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children. The crash, which occurred just 15 minutes after takeoff from Lower Manhattan, has left the community and loved ones in utter devastation.
Owner of New York Helicopter Speaks Out
Michael Roth, the owner of New York Helicopter, the company operating the ill-fated flight, expressed his devastation in an emotional interview. “I don’t know anything about how this went down,” Roth said. “The only thing I can tell you is that we are devastated. My wife hasn’t stopped crying since this afternoon. We’re a small company. I’m a father and a grandfather, and we’re just devastated. We have no clue what happened.”
President Trump’s Response to the Tragedy
The tragic incident also deeply impacted President Donald Trump. He took to social media to express his condolences, writing on Truth Social:
“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.”
Eyewitness Accounts and the Aftermath
Witnesses who were near the scene described the harrowing moments that followed the crash. Jenn Lynk, a resident of Jersey City, recalled the confusion and shock: “It honestly sounded like an engine came out. I looked outside my window and saw a few people running toward the water. Some people were acting pretty normal, so I thought it might not be anything. Then I started hearing all the sirens.”
In response to the crash, the Coast Guard set up a safety zone in the Hudson River, halting vessel traffic for a mile both north and south of the crash site, which also disrupted ferry services. At the time of the crash, the water temperature was around 50 degrees, and the skies were overcast with visibility stretching about 10 miles. Wind gusts were reported to be up to 21 miles per hour.
A Community in Mourning
As the investigation continues, the impact of this devastating loss is being felt far and wide. The Escobar family’s tragic death has not only left their loved ones grieving, but has also touched those in the wider community, including the small team at New York Helicopter, who are struggling to come to terms with what happened.
With no clear answers yet, the focus remains on honoring the victims and supporting those left behind in this unimaginable tragedy.
Eyewitness Accounts and Deepening Tragedy: Helicopter Crash in New York
The tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River has left the community in shock and mourning, with heartbreaking eyewitness accounts emerging from those who witnessed the disaster unfold.
Ipsitaa Banigrhi, a resident of Jersey City, shared her recollection of the terrifying moment: “I heard such a loud sound. It felt like thunder. And because it was raining today, I thought maybe it was just the weather. Then I saw black particles flying through the air. At first, I thought maybe it was just dust or birds, but then we heard all the emergency vehicles and sirens going by. That’s when I realized something was terribly wrong.”
A Community in Grief
This tragic incident has affected not only the families of the victims but also the local community. The devastating loss of six lives, including that of Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, and their three young children, has left a deep scar. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the families and helping them cope with the overwhelming loss.
May they rest in peace, and my deepest condolences go out to all the families during this incredibly difficult time.