On April 10, 2025, a sightseeing helicopter tragically crashed into the Hudson River, claiming the lives of six individuals, including a Spanish family of five and the pilot. The victims were identified as Siemens executive Agustín Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, their three children—Agustín, 10; Mercedes, 8; and Víctor, 4—and pilot Seankese Johnson, a 36-year-old Navy SEAL veteran. The Irish Sun+9UNILAD+9AP News+9CBS News+8AP News+8The Irish Sun+8
The family had traveled from Barcelona to New York City to celebrate Mercedes’ ninth birthday with a sightseeing tour. Moments before the flight, they posed for a cheerful photo on the helipad, capturing what would be their final moments together. U.S. News+2The Irish Sun+2WSJ+2CBS News+1Gothamist+1
In the aftermath, Mercè’s brother, Joan Camprubí Montal, journeyed from Spain to New York to identify his sister and her family’s bodies. At a press conference alongside Mayor Eric Adams, Joan expressed profound grief and gratitude for the outpouring of support. He stated, “They left together, they left without suffering and they left with a smile on their faces,” emphasizing the family’s desire to remember them joyfully. AP News+5The Irish Sun+5UNILAD+5Gothamist
The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, reportedly broke apart midair before plunging into the river. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause, with preliminary findings suggesting a critical component failure. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated the immediate cessation of New York Helicopter Tours’ operations and is reviewing the company’s safety record. News 12 – Default+2New York Post+2AP News+2New York Post+2The Irish Sun+2AP News+2AP News+1New York Post+1
This incident has reignited concerns over the safety of sightseeing helicopter tours in New York City, prompting calls for stricter regulations to prevent future tragedies
