A family of five—a couple and their three children—tragically lost their lives in a tour helicopter crash over New York City’s Hudson River. Authorities have now confirmed the victims’ identities: Agustín Escobar, president of the Spanish branch of Siemens Mobility; his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal; and their three children, aged four, five, and eleven. The 36-year-old pilot also died in the accident.
According to reports, the family had flown in from Barcelona earlier that day and were enjoying a scenic aerial tour of New York when disaster struck. Witnesses said the helicopter, which was allegedly low on fuel and experiencing technical issues, began spiraling uncontrollably before crashing into the Hudson near the New Jersey shoreline, just off Lower Manhattan.
Heartbreaking images captured shortly before the crash show the family smiling together on the helipad and inside the aircraft—a bittersweet reminder of the joy and closeness they shared in their final moments. Moments before the helicopter went down, the pilot reportedly issued a mayday call, warning they were out of fuel—a chilling detail that has fueled questions about the incident.
This devastating tragedy has sent shockwaves through both the local and international communities. Investigations are ongoing to determine exactly what caused the crash. The loss of such a vibrant and promising family, along with the pilot’s death, highlights once again the critical need for stringent safety protocols in aerial tourism and aviation operations.